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Asia, Polo News

Mahra/LLVC Polo Team Won the Sir Winston Churchill Cup 2019

16. December 2019

Another polo tournament has come to an exciting close as Habtoor Polo faced Bangash / LLVC at the Final of the Sir Winston Churchill Cup 2019.

The match kicked off with a half goal lead for Mahra/LLVC polo team, and the first chukker ended with 2 goals to 2.5. Past halftime, Mahra/LLVC were at a 2.5 goal advantage over Habtoor that continued until the end of the penultimate chukker. Habtoor Polo raced to score goals to take the lead from its opponent at the final chukker and nearly created a tied score situation. Not missing a beat, Mahra/LLVC defended its position and delivered 2 more goals that secured the win for the team at 8.5 goals to 6.

The Club had offered its usual Friday Polo Picnic – a tailgating tradition in the polo circuit. Guests watched the match under gazeboes, and the children spent their time in a dedicated Kids Area. The anticipated Run-N-Hunt drew participation from the crowd and the lucky winners won prizes worth a total of AED 10,000 in cash and gift items. The best-dressed lady and gent were also recognized and were given prizes worth AED 2,000 each.

Shirley Laurel, Marketing Manager of Conmix Ltd. (a Bukhatir Group company) awarded the teams with Frederico Potobsky as the Most Valuable Player and Cosmetica as the Best Playing Pony.

The tournament is sponsored by Bukhatir Group, one of the largest and most diversified business houses in the United Arab Emirates. Its main interests straddle Construction, Education, Information Technology, Real Estate, Shopping & Retail, Sports & Leisure and Services.

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

Another polo tournament has come to an exciting close as Habtoor Polo faced Bangash / LLVC at the Final of the Sir Winston Churchill Cup 2019. The match kicked off…

Asia, Polo News

A Win for Habtoor Polo Team on the Second Day of the Sir Winston Churchill Cup 2019

9. December 2019

The usual Friday Polo Picnic at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club was complemented by clear skies as spectators witnessed a match between Habtoor Polo and AM Polo teams.

The first goal of the match was delivered by Sheikha Alya Maktoum, patron of AM Polo team carrying a half goal advantage. Both teams played strongly but, Habtoor Polo gained a 1.5-goal lead by halftime and kept it until the end of the third chukker. The team’s excellent play allowed them to take off and grab the win at 9 goals to 5.5. Guests of the day participated in the Friday Fun Race and two lucky winners won prizes worth AED 3,000 in cash and vouchers.

The Sir Winston Churchill Cup continues on the 11th of December, Wednesday, with Habtoor Polo vs. Bagash/Mahra Polo at 15:00, field 3. The tournament is sponsored by Bukhatir Group, one of the largest and most diversified business houses in the United Arab Emirates. Its main interests straddle Construction, Education, Information Technology, Real Estate, Shopping & Retail, Sports & Leisure and Services.

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

The usual Friday Polo Picnic at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club was complemented by clear skies as spectators witnessed a match between Habtoor Polo and AM Polo teams. …

Asia, Polo News

WORLD FIRST DESERT POLO IS BORN IN THE UNSPOILED BEAUTY OF ALULA HERITAGE SITE

4. December 2019

International Polo Celebrated at Saudi Arabia’s First Official Polo Tournament

AlUla Desert Polo, the first tournament in Saudi Arabia to be held in cooperation with the Saudi Polo Federation, is to make its debut on January 16-18, 2020 as part of the Winter at Tantora cultural festival. Cradled against the backdrop of one of Arabia’s best kept secrets – the exquisite UNESCO heritage site in AlUla that will officially open to the public in October 2020 – AlUla Desert Polo represents a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s sporting and social journey. A new concept in world polo and inspired by the prestigious snow polo tournament held in St Moritz, Switzerland, Desert Polo will feature some of the most renowned players and patrons in the world of polo. Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, Desert Polo is one of the highlights of the three-month long Winter at Tantora festival, running from December to March and held in the historic and untouched region. Amr F Zedan, Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation and an international polo patron said: “This tournament is a celebration of the transformational journey that we are making in Saudi Arabia. “Our goal in promoting this extraordinary event is twofold. We want to tap into the undiscovered sporting talent that we know exists among young Saudi men and women and encourage greater levels of participation in our sport. We are also proud to use sport, and polo in particular, as a vehicle to showcase a truly unique destination and an incredible overall experience to the world. Saudi Arabia has the capability, the infrastructure and, crucially, the will, to stage major events on the world stage and Desert Polo is just one example of this.” Amr AlMadani, the CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla, welcomed the addition of Desert Polo to the prestigious and exciting roster of weekend events on the Winter at Tantora calendar: “AlUla is a place that sums up to the world the rich and as yet widely undiscovered culture within Saudi Arabia,” he said. “A major contributor to the heritage in this part of the world is our peoples’ connection to the horse. Therefore, it is symbolic that we are showcasing the progress of modern day Saudi Arabia here, in one of our most significant cultural sites.”

Winter at Tantora is offering two special polo package, for one day or three days featuring a special “Introduction to Polo” clinic. It includes a 1-hour introduction clinic to Polo, with a maximum limit of 10-per-day (first-come first-serve basis).

Tickets and packages can be purchased on experiencealula.com ; holidaysbysaudia.com or almosafer.com/en/winter-at-tantora

The Winter at Tantora festival will take place from December 19^th, 2019 – March 7^th, 2020 in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Details about the festival, its line-up and exceptional surroundings can be found at experiencealula.com with tickets on sale now. To stay up to date, please follow @WinteratTantora on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

About Winter at Tantora Festival
Winter at Tantora is a festival in AlUla County in North-West Saudi Arabia, a place of extraordinary natural beauty and cultural heritage. Running from 19^th December 2019 to 7^th March 2020, Winter at Tantora will bring 12-weekends of wonder to the AlUla Oasis, inspired by its spectacular scenery. Home to archeological treasures, natural beauty and magnificent monuments that span millennia, AlUla is set on the ancient incense route between Southern Arabia and Egypt. It became a hub of commercial and cultural exchange because a lush oasis valley ran through it, creating an ideal environment for civilizations to flourish.

About The Saudi Polo Federation
The Saudi Polo Federation (SPF) was established in July 2018 as a means of developing the sport across The Kingdom and establishing international best practice from grass roots to elite levels. Aligned with key government stakeholders such as the General Sports Authority, the SPF works to further establish Saudi polo in a global context, continuing the work already undertaken by Saudi’s private polo patrons on the international stage.

Chaired by renowned Saudi polo player and businessman, Amr Zedan, the SPF seeks to encourage the sport among young Saudi men and women in accordance with the goals set out in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, while reflecting the transformational journey taking place in Saudi Arabia.

Photos: AlUla Desert Polo

© Thomas Wirth

International Polo Celebrated at Saudi Arabia’s First Official Polo Tournament AlUla Desert Polo, the first tournament in Saudi Arabia to be held in cooperation with the Saudi Polo Federation,…

Asia, Europe, North America, Polo News, South America

NZ Polo Open set for a spectacular event

12. November 2019

The sporting and social event of the summer

It is an exciting time for the nation’s most prestigious polo tournament, with the announcement of BMW as lead sponsor for the 43^rd NZ Polo Open, to be held in Clevedon on Saturday 22^nd February 2020.

The NZ Polo Open has earned its reputation as the sporting and social event of the summer, set in the picturesque Auckland Polo Club grounds, attracting big crowds and showcasing competitive polo at its best.

“We are thrilled to have BMW as our lead sponsor,” says Lucy Ainsley, Executive Director of the BMW NZ Polo Open. “Our 2020 event is shaping up to be the best yet and our partnership with BMW will take the event to the next level, with more side-line action and extra glitz and glamour. It has been a fantastic few months planning, I can’t wait for everyone to see it come together in February.’

The NZ Polo Open is a highlight on the global polo circuit for professional polo players and the calibre of sporting talent taking the field in February will be exceptional. Six teams will compete for the coveted trophy and along with NZ’s best, polo players will arrive from England, Argentina, Australia and South Africa especially for the tournament.

Side-line highlights will be the much-anticipated BMW versus horse race and for those keen to dress to impress entries are open for Fashion on the Field. The Ladies Veuve Clicquot magnum dash and the Men’s Rodd and Gunn dash will give the crowd a chance to compete on the field. The Flagship VIP Polo Lounge (320m2) is open to public sales for the first time and will offer a similar experience to England’s ‘Royal day at the polo.’

George FM will host the afterparty on the Chukka Lawn and for music fans attending Six60 there will be a bus from the polo grounds to Western Springs

“The BMW NZ Polo Open offers spectators an exhilarating polo experience second to none and is the perfect place to be with friends or clients,’ says Ainsley, “The fusion of sport, fashion and entertainment makes it a great day out for all ages.”

© Thomas Wirth

The sporting and social event of the summer It is an exciting time for the nation’s most prestigious polo tournament, with the announcement of BMW as lead sponsor for the…

Asia, Europe, North America, Personalities & Clubs, Polo News, South America

U.S. Polo Assn. Sponsors the First Edition of the Ladies Charity Cup 2019

25. October 2019

Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club will host its first Ladies Charity Cup on 02nd November 2019 in partnership with its title sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. and in association with Pink Caravan, a Pan UAE breast cancer initiative. The Exhibition Cup brings together the strength of women in the Sport of Kings in support of breast cancer awareness.

The afternoon will be filled with activities for everyone to enjoy – two polo matches featuring some of the region‘s well-known polo players, charity lunch and auction, fun activities, competitions with amazing prizes, food and entertainment for all.

Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al Habtoor Group says, „Hosting our first-ever Ladies Charity Cup is a proud moment for us. Through the collective support of the playing teams, our staff and all the guests joining us on the day, we give our contribution to breast cancer awareness advocacy on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of women who are diagnosed with every year.“

“We love that we can use the beautiful sport of polo to bring fans together at this exciting event while supporting a cause that impacts so many of us and our families,” added J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, the exclusive worldwide licensor for the USPA’s global licensing program and parent organization to the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “Today, women are making such a huge, positive impact on both the sport and on our brand, so we are supporting events such as this around the world as part of own Women’s Initiative Program.”

Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of FOCP and Head of the Pink Caravan‘s Medical and Awareness Committee said: “As an organisation dedicated to promoting and raising cancer awareness in the UAE, we believe in the power of partnerships to expand the scope of our work to improve the standards of breast cancer screening and treatment within the UAE, and highlight the critical importance of early detection.

“We are delighted to be joining hands with well-known U.S. Polo Assn. to further our goals for this worthy cause and extend the benefits of our work to a larger population across the UAE. Such meaningful collaborations reflect on our nation’s humanitarian spirit, and will boost our efforts in bringing early detection to the forefront and to serve as a key resource for cancer patients, their families and caregivers.”

A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to benefit Pink Caravan under the non-profit organization Friends of Cancer Patients.

About Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is a state-of-the-art polo and equestrian community devoted to equine sports and is the home ground for the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. Check out the Polo and Riding School 2019 – 2020 calendars for upcoming international-standard tournaments, competition and events. For more information: contacts@alhabtoorpoloclub.com | +971 4 4362222

About U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States founded in 1890, making it one of the oldest sports governing bodies. With a global footprint of $1.7B and worldwide distribution through 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories, footwear, travel and home goods in 180 countries worldwide.

About Pink Caravan

Pink Caravan, a Pan UAE breast cancer initiative that falls under Friends of Cancer Patients’ umbrella “Kashf” for early detection of cancer. Launched in 2011 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Pink Caravan has garnered widespread recognition locally, regionally, and internationally, and therefore, has appointed ambassadors from different walks of life to promote and advocate its mission.

About Friends of Cancer Patients

Friends of Cancer Patients is committed to help cancer patients and their families get through their long and arduous journey of cancer treatment. Since its inception, FoCP has delivered moral and financial support to cancer patients and their families, irrespective of their nationality, gender, age, religion or ethnicity.

Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club will host its first Ladies Charity Cup on 02nd November 2019 in partnership with its title sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. and in association with…

Asia, Europe, North America, Polo News, South America

The new POLO+10 WORLD is out now! FREE DOWNLOAD

14. October 2019

EDITORIAL

Europe had many polo highlights to offer this summer. One of them is just being built – in Alentejo, Portugal.

A magnificent busy polo season is drawing to a close in Europe. The Berenberg German Polo Masters on Sylt was one of the major highlights. Now in its 21st year, the tournament is one of the traditional annual fixtures in the German and indeed, European polo calendar. The record number of visitors together with the international line-up of teams who attended are testament once again to the increasing interest and appreciation of the sport on Germany´s northernmost island.

In Switzerland, the polo classic, Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad once again lit up the polo stage in August. At 1,050 metres above seal level, amidst the Bernese Oberland mountains, team captain Dr Piero Dillier and his team: Lucas Labat, Bautista Beguerie and Juan Manuel González really showed the competition what winners look like. We can already look forward to August 2020, when this unique polo event will celebrate its 25th anniversary. With Pierre Genecand and his team at the helm, this jubilee is sure to be a truly memorable occasion.

The Open de France is well-known to be the most important, prestigious polo tournament in France. This year, after a hugely successful international polo season in Chantilly, the Chantilly “newcomers” from the Spanish team, Marqués de Riscal were able to demonstrate their skills on the pitch. The final of the Paprec Open de France 2019 also delivered on all expectations for the women´s competition.

In Three Roses, just 20 minutes away from Sotogrande in southern Spain, we visited the Iridike Polo Club. Thanks to the ideal winter climate in Andalucía, it is an excellent year-round polo destination in which to play, learn from experienced polo professionals and accommodate the horses.

Finally, we come to Portugal, just across the border from Spain. About an hour´s drive south from Portugal´s lively capital, Lisbon, lies the Alentejo. A little-known region that is making its mark on the map as the new “place to be”, as the new “Hamptons” of Portugal. Some prominent millionaires are already there. This is the just the beginning of a project that is set to transform the small country in the far western reaches of Europe into one of the polo hotspots of the continent and indeed, of the whole world. Project developer, Stefan Maria Gast knows what it takes to make the dream of creating the world´s best polo club in Portugal come true. We are looking forward to it.

Free Download of POLO+10 I/2020:
POLO+10_WORLD_I_20

Thomas Wirth, Founder, thomas@poloplus10.com

© Thomas Wirth

EDITORIAL Europe had many polo highlights to offer this summer. One of them is just being built – in Alentejo, Portugal. A magnificent busy polo season is drawing to a…

Asia, Europe, North America, Polo News, South America

The new POLO+10 WORLD is out now! FREE DOWNLOAD

14. October 2019

EDITORIAL

Europe had many polo highlights to offer this summer. One of them is just being built – in Alentejo, Portugal.

Free Download of POLO+10 I/2020:
POLO+10_WORLD_I_20

Thomas Wirth, Founder, thomas@poloplus10.com

© Thomas Wirth

EDITORIAL Europe had many polo highlights to offer this summer. One of them is just being built – in Alentejo, Portugal. A magnificent busy polo season is drawing to a…

Asia, Europe, Lifestyle, North America, Personalities & Clubs, Polo News, Real Estate, South America, Travel & Food

Portugal Calling: New Polo Club & Resort

11. October 2019

by Stefanie Stüting

Portugal is on a world championship course. The “Best Polo Club in the World” will be established in Alentejo, Portugal. The spectacular project is being planned by the same visionary developer who also built the legendary World Cup area, Campo Bahia for the German football team in Brazil in 2014.

There´s this almost magical moment when you realise that a new dawn is breaking, a new story is unfolding that you really yearn to be part of. South of Lisbon, in the beautiful region of Alentejo, plans are afoot to build the “Best Polo Club in the World”.

About an hour´s drive due south from colourful, vibrant Lisbon, a region that so far has escaped the hectic crowds of sun-thirsty beach goers and loud party people is just waking up. Comporta is more commonly associated with “Herdade da Comporta”, the 43-kilometer-long strip of land on the Alentejo coast with its seemingly endless sandy beaches languishing under an azure blue sky and traditional white-washed cottages dotted around the unspoilt countryside. With around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Comporta has retained its vast, quiet, untouched beauty, unlike the international jet set destinations on the Côte d´Azur, Costa del Sol and Ibiza.

The potential of this Atlantic west coast region was first discovered by José Manuel Espírito Santo, descendant of a wealthy Portuguese dynasty, who first laid eyes on it from his yacht. He went ashore and shortly afterwards acquired more land in the region. When the Banco Espírito Santo, one of Portugal´s largest banks, including its owner José Manuel, went bankrupt a few years ago some of the land was acquired by the state. Since then the region together with the seven villages of Pego, Carvalhal, Brejos, Torre, Possanco, Carrasqueira and Comporta has been gently introduced to the type of premium tourism that favours nature conservation, exclusive hotels and holiday homes. The Comporta region is a place of longing as in “saudade” from the Portuguese which implies the longing for a get together. Endless beaches, sweeping horizons and the sea. Quietly secluded. This place of so-called longing – the new Hamptons of Portugal – has already attracted a number of prominent millionaires who are fascinated by this unique and still almost “secret” beauty spot.

Stefan Maria Gast is equally fascinated and inspired by the region. Born in Heidelberg, he is a project developer, internationally renowned for his holistic understanding of culture; people and energies; nature and the very essence of the land he builds on.

Gast was the brains behind and project manager of the legendary DFB World Cup area Campo Bahia for the German national football team and later World Champion of Brazil in 2014. Gast and his team are currently in the process of developing the remarkable Alentejo region for polo. Once again, the visionary Gast is realising his dream of creating the world´s best polo club with great thought and precision. It is first and foremostly about constructing concrete goals from dreams, clearly identifying and defining them. Unfortunately dreams without goals are only dreams.” After a year of intensive preparation and research, it looks like Gast will finally achieve his goals. The region offers the best conditions: in terms of the warm Portuguese hospitality, the stability of the country´s economy, political regime and security, the mild year-round climate, the people, the unique natural landscape all point to the success of the project. As Gast points out, “Millionaires from all over the world already have Portugal on their radar – from South to North America, from Central Europe to Asia. Portugal is a safe country with excellent prospects for the future. The region around Comporta is becoming increasingly well- known.

A whole new trend is emerging here. And we are seeing that a previously hidden secret will also be of great interest to the polo world.”

Gast´s experienced team includes renowned employees and consultants who also include pioneers and legends from international polo. However, a deep respect for nature is always the driving force for this experienced project developer. “Harmony, tranquillity and beauty are most valuable assets that we find in this corner of Portugal and we have an overwhelming responsibility to preserve these natural attributes.” The horses themselves have been taken into account just as the polo club has to fit in seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The conditions for the horses will be harmoniously perfect in our new polo club. They play a pivotal role in the sport. Nature and horses are our partners and advisors, and both are treated with the utmost respect and sympathy when it comes to the planning and making our dream come true. We have clearly defined ideas that are already alive in our minds. As alive as the world championship title we dreamed of in 2014, which also became a reality. The completion of this project will transform the small country in the far west reaches of Europe into one of the top polo hotspots of the continent and the whole world is already behind it. Gast knows what it takes to make the dream of the world´s best polo club in Portugal come true. We are looking forward to a great new address on the map and a new vision for European and international polo.

Mr. Gast, why Polo in Portugal & Alentejo?

• Portugal is the most hospitable country in the world
• The Polo Club is located in the heart of the Alentejo, one of
the most beautiful regions of Portugal
• Portugal has a long and experienced horse tradition
• The new “Hamptons” of Europe
• Best climate for man and horse all year round
• Short distance to international transport lines
• Perfect infrastructure
• Portugal is the third most peaceful country in the world
• Portugal has the most stable government in the world
• Portugal has the lowest inflation rate 2019 in Europe
• Portugal is on the radar of investors from all over the world
• Tax advantages for investors and new residents
• Forbes: Alentejo is one of the most diversified and
Portugal’s most irresistible landscapes
• 15 titles won at the World Tourism Award 2019
• Forbes calls Portugal “the best European country to live in”

Info:
hello@poloplus10.com

by Stefanie Stüting Portugal is on a world championship course. The “Best Polo Club in the World” will be established in Alentejo, Portugal. The spectacular project is being planned by…

Asia, Europe, Lifestyle, North America, Polo News, South America

Facundo Pieres changing to Ainsley MVP saddles

8. August 2019

Facundo Pieres joins Pelón Stirling as ambassador for the Ainsley MVP polo saddle. Facundo’s new saddles were baptized in the King Power Gold Cup and they will offer protection to his horses and a perfect platform for Facundo also in the Argentine and US high goal seasons. Facundo will benefit from a perfect, adjustable fit on all his horses, a wide gullet, ample space at the withers and sculpted panels protecting shoulders and backs, while placing Facundo in the ideal playing position. Like Pelón, Facundo will work with Ainsley Saddlery to ensure that the MVP continues to be the preferred choice for polo players demanding great performance from themselves and their horses. For more information on the MVP, and to read about the once in a lifetime chance to play a practice match with Facundo.

www.performance-polo.com/facundopieres

Facundo Pieres joins Pelón Stirling as ambassador for the Ainsley MVP polo saddle. Facundo’s new saddles were baptized in the King Power Gold Cup and they will offer protection to…

Asia, Polo News

10th Anniversary – Beach Polo for the Princess PA’s Cup

29. April 2019

The event kicked off with a grand parade of all the local beach ponies and a world championship winning band. It is followed by the first of two local horse races which had the spectators cheering as they flew down the beach. These races for the locals are significant as the champions proudly show off the win to tourists visiting Hua Hin. The tournament is jointly organised by Thai Polo & Equestrian Club co-owners Harald Link and Nunthinee Tanner.

The spectators loved the fashion show on horseback featuring celebrities and modelling the latest summer collection from Santa Barbara and Misty Mynx.

The Beach Polo final started at 4 pm when the temperatures had dropped a little from a high of 40 degrees, Thailands hottest day this year. The two teams from Thailand and a joint team from China/Korea had been anticipating a tight match with winds coming from one end making it hard to get the ball up into the wind. As it turned out this made for some great moments when the ball either flew or was stopped making the players work hard to get goals. And there were plenty of goals to watch.

The first goal came in the second half of the first chukka from Argentine professional Diego Gomez for the China/Korea team. The second chukka saw the first goal by Justin Jin also for China/Korea followed by two goals from Thailand’s Worajit Wongkraso “Ead”.

A break was needed to help cool the players down and fortunately, a light covering of cloud came over dropping the temperature, it was comfortable to play again.

The third chukka had just one goal scored by David Ko for China/Korea taking them into the lead on handicap.

Ead, took another goal at the start of the 4th chukka, levelling the match followed quickly by a goal from Diego Gomez. Thailand responded with another goal from Ead. The spectators were cheering and getting very involved with every play encouraging the teams along.

The 5th and final chukka saw no less than five goals scored between both teams. Diego Gomez led the chukka taking them ahead, followed by David Ko and Justin Jin also for China/Korea. In the closing minutes, Harald Link for Thailand scored two goals in quick succession, but it wasn’t enough to level the scores. China/Korea won 8 goals to 7.5. A very entertaining, good spirited match with tonnes of action for the spectators to watch and cheer along too.

China/Korea – Team Handicap 2

Justin Jin
David Ko
Diego Gomez

Thailand – Team Handicap 0

Harald Link
Cliff Punyanitya
Worajit Wongkraso “Ead”

www.thai-polo-club.com

Photos: Thai Polo & Equestrian Club / Dominic James Photography

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The event kicked off with a grand parade of all the local beach ponies and a world championship winning band. It is followed by the first of two local horse…