From Calgary to San Diego Polo is BACK!  We have teams people and a lot of horses. From ghost towns to metros all in a week.  You have to admit it makes sense to head west with the 4th of July weekend at a smooth 70 to 75 degrees from Alberta, Canada to San Diego.

San Diego got underway a couple of weeks ago and there is a party going on with big crowds there.  They are lean this season, but they are mean.  Heather Chronert, their GM,  keeps it on the move.   The Rat as in Graham “Ratty” Bray is back as Polo Manager, so he is hoppin’ . A big surprise is that Big Nick S. is back in polo and he is ready to go.  He has about 4 boys looking to rock and roll, so just maybe the club that is one of the most fun in the West is about to become just tha,t a big time Polo Club.  There is no where better to be if you like the ocean and the bright lights.

Just a little north  where the temperatures are close to the same, but it might rain, is Calgary Polo Club.  If it rains, who cares.  Just get in the car and head to the Rockies or fishing on the Bow River or one of the other million places to fish or take your honey.  Lake Louise is another favorite spot when your not on the polo fields.  You will have a good time in a spectacular spot in this world.  Or you can go see the Glaciers. When you get back to one of the prettiest places in the world, you can play polo on some like super fields.  If  it’s big names you want and good weather then head to Santa Barbara (well really Carpinteria).  You will find a place with no one and then, all of the sudden, everyone shows up all in a week. From zero to about 320 horses, 50 grooms and 20 trucks.  They  just rolled into town and it ain’t dead no more!  The 2009 season looks good for the visitors.

It used to be people looked for a spot in Santa Barbara, now the local teams are down to two and that’s not an issue, but they come in from other areas. Santa Barbara has  picture perfect weather and if your from the South, it has to feel like heaven . Now its a bit crazy with the Michael Jackson stuff going on in Santa Ynez,  but hey it’s the way it is. He was a Star, right or wrong, he was Michale Jackson and he was famous for good or bad.  It is true he was acquitted of allegations.

No matter what, life goes on and these are three places you cannot go wrong in for Polo or a good time.  Join the crowd and head west . THERE’S A WHOLE LOT OF FUN GOING ON OUT HERE. So get out west and make your day, your way.  And remember tomorrow never comes so be HAPPY.

In the polo world it’s getting close to Quarter finals time in the UK and its some familiar faces as Adolfo Cambiaso and the Pires Clan seem to have the high lane.  There are a couple of other teams Sumya and Le Lions and Loro Piana , who look good,  but are not in the big dance yet.  Its only a day or two until we know

See ya @POLO OUT WEST.

Steve Crower