The Polo Report
by Steve Crowder
Polo may well be one of the most unusual communities there is in the equestrian world. Horse racing may be close, but there is nothing like the Polo World. There are few if any sports where pros compete with amateurs. There are huge age differences too. You can compete and many do into their 7th decade. The horses do the major work for you and the female population in the sport is huge. I would have to say this all started mainly with Sue Sally Hale, but it was Sunny Hale, Sue Sallie’s daughter, who took it to a new and existing level. Women’s polo is the fastest growing group in polo today. Sunny continues to steer it and now women play polo worldwide. The other amazing thing about polo is where the players come from. Most come from a polo background or family, but by no means do all of us in the sport come from polo-playing families. I came from a ranch in Colorado. The only thing I had in common with polo, was horses. I know other players who came from industries such as banking and construction. It all ends the same … in a brand new world.
The thing about polo is that it is an addiction If you think about it, people who pay us to be in this game do it for fun. You always play polo in destinations with good weather and lots of grass. Polo takes place in fun places. Otherwise why would they go? The big difference in my world was instead of another town everyday like I experienced in the world of Rodeo, is that polo takes you places for 2 weeks to 6 months and you get to settle in a little. It is always a good place to be. You also get the comps of great places, famous people (often very nice people), plus the travel and the opportunity to meet so many individuals who may help your life to grow. Unfortunately, some people do not realize the fact that they cannot afford or live the style you see in polo. This ruins many, as they want to be, but do not see it is not going to be that way for everyone. When you get back to the real world, if you do it, can be a bit of a shock. You know you lived a dream for a while whether it was as a groom, trainer or player.
Polo WED.5/25 Santa Barabara
Now about the local action in the 12-goal in Santa Barbara Polo Club. Wed., is the third round of the Pope Challenge and we will see only High Wood in a bye. F&M tries to get from last finals to 0 and 2 in this one and will take on 0 -1 Klentner Ranch. Two undefeated teams meet in the other one … Antelope and Mr. Palmer have a meeting with Silent Chris and Twin Palms.
Last Sunday was elders day. Graham Bray, Jesse’s Dad, won over him. Older Brother Dan Walker beat his younger Brother as HighWood stopped F&M in the last few seconds with a down town #4 by Fassetta. Friday will be the semis of the Pope Challenge and Sunday the finals.
Things are hot in the U.K. as Dubai, Zacara and Kingpower are all moving forward with 0 losses and a showdown coming this week. Houston, Will Rogers and Dallas are all in action out West. Palm City, The Villages and Grand Champions are all close to the end back east as summer arrives.
I read a very odd article yesterday. Congress is accusing the NFL of basically deserting their former players and leaving many crippled for life without help. That is sad, but it is so similar to what Congress does to all the Soldiers who come back for making it possible for us having our way of life. It seems like a mirror is needed as both are very BAD.
see ya