The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder
The year 2012 starts out on a sad note as Polo has lost two giant builders of United States Polo. One from the East or as Easterners say Mid West Chicago and the other is from the real West San Francisco and Indio, California.
Both of these Men were big fellas and took little advantage of their size. Both very much the gentle giants. Walt had to be very tested as he had a son named John, who I am sure pushed him to the brink probably everyday for a long time. Mac had a Daughter named Lynn who always seemed so sweet, it was a myth I am sure, but they both turned out to be awesome people in the Community. Both of these men brought many people to Polo. Walt as a hands on teacher, pro and a very fun person to be around. Walt was always straight up and happy even when John was there. There other life was Polo, but they were definitely Family first and they were well rewarded with wonderful families who have continued to be a part of the polo world. Walt out of Chicago – Naperville area brought so many people to polo indoor and outdoor before moving to Wellington in the days of swamps. Walt was a big reason for all of the local Florida people who got into Polo. Very few of the young, now older people, in these areas can say that Walt never touched their lives in some way. He was always helping with good advice, by loaning a horse or giving them a job when things were tough. That was just Walt Kuhn … a friendly face and you knew he would give you a helping hand.
Mac was much the same, but just not hands on. He lived a very busy corporate life, but he always found someway to help people and if it was Polo it would be quick. Seldom did you know it because he was not there, but he was behind it. I remember a funny sight long ago. John Gonzalez, who has a temper close to a caged cougar, was playing with Mac in Indio. John had gone off a bit and was going to settle it his way and if you know John it was with a right hand to something … often your head. I did not know Mac at the time and I thought what the heck is he going to do? He walked over to John and in 60 seconds it was over. John just got on his horse and away he went. It was just his way. No arguing. Just make peace quitely and that was the way it was. It just over and no yelling, no jumping … just done and go on.
Polo will Miss these two men as they made polo a game to see and be at with a smile and a little knowledge most of us will never have. SO LONG GENTLEMAN AND THANKS TO YOUR FAMILIES FOR TIME WE HAD TO SHARE WITH YOU ALL.
see ya