California

North America, Polo News

La Herradura shines in Women’s Pacific Coast Open Debut

9. September 2020

Making their debut in the second annual 2020 Women’s Pacific Coast Open at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California) La Herradura joined three returning teams, Dundas, Timing and Polo Gear/Coffee Company, but proved to be a step ahead of their opponents in the final on Sunday, September 6. After narrowly defeating Dundas in the semifinal, La Herradura used efficient 55% shooting from the field and three goals from Meghan Gracida to defeat Timing 7-4 and capture their first Women’s Pacific Coast Open title.

“We watched Timing play a very strong game in their first match. Our plan was to try and shut them down early, be quick in the transitions and use all four members of our team. We were also very fortunate to have Memo [Gracida] as a coach and I was spoiled to play La Herradura’s horses.” – Izzy Parsons

Played at the 18-goal level, the elite level of women’s polo was on full display throughout the weekend, culminating with the performance of La Herradura (Suzette Yamani, Meghan Gracida, Izzy Parsons, Dayelle Fargey) against Timing (Nicole Ball, Mia Bray*, Mia Novillo Astrada, Sofia Lorenzo). A quick start for La Herradura saw them hold the possession advantage in the first chukker as Parsons opened the scoring with back-to-back field goals on a gelding named Elvis, giving La Herradura the 2-0 lead. The beginning of the second chukker saw La Herradura extend their lead to three on Gracida’s first goal of the game, taking advantage of extra possessions and shot attempts at goal. Timing brought the deficit back to just one by halftime, converting both shot attempts on field goals from Mia Novillo Astrada and Sofia Lorenzo. La Herradura led headed into the second half 3-2.

The well-rounded La Herradura attack began the second half strong, restoring their three-goal advantage, led by Suzette Yamani contributing a goal in the number one position. Gracida’s second goal quickly put Timing on their heels as they were in need of an offensive strategy in order to challenge Timing over the final chukkers of the game. “Our strategy headed into the final was to put pressure on Timing and really mark the man,” Gracida said. “Sofia Lorenzo and Mia Novillo Astrada like to play the ball and turn it rather than hit backhand so we tried to capitalize on that and really mark our man.” Before the end of the third, Mia Bray found her stride, cutting the lead down to two with just one chukker remaining. The intensity increased in the fourth as pressure was applied on both sides of the ball, but Fargey’s Penalty 3 conversion extended the lead and landed all La Herradura teammates on the board. Answering back for the second time, Bray kept Timing in the game by maintaining the gap. An impactful player in the game, Gracida provided to be the answer the La Herradura needed with her third field goal which sealed the victory 7-4 and the 2020 Women’s Pacific Coast Open trophy.

Playing in the Sunny Hale Invitational a week prior, the tournament proved to be good preparation for the Women’s Pacific Coast Open. “This is a huge win for myself and for our organization since we are now based here in California,” Gracida said. “I didn’t have the opportunity to play in the inaugural Women’s Pacific Coast Open last year so I made it a goal of mine to put a team in this year and I was very determined to get organized so we would win. We worked very hard before we got to this point and it was with the help of Memo’s [Gracida] amazing organization La Herradurra and the horses.”

Most Valuable Player was presented to Dayelle Fargey. “She completely deserves to win MVP,” Gracida said. “She played so well and was the true leader on the field. I’d argue that she is the best U.S. women’s player.”

Best Playing Pony honors were awarded to Galguita (Galgo x Lechuza), a homebred grey mare owned by Patagones Polo Team and played by Mia Novillo Astrada in the third chukker. “She was very comfortable, fast, powerful and has a really good mouth,” Novillo Astrada said. “Also she is great in the ride off and I really enjoyed playing her.” “She was bred by my brother Carlos Avendaño and now Gonzalo [Avendaño] owns her,” Anita Avendaño added. “Galguita’s dam Lechuza was an Argentine Thoroughbred which Carlos played in high goal in Argentina including the Copa Cámara de Diputados. In the U.S. she has also played in the Silver Cup®, Ylvisaker Cup, C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup®.”

Originally from Kenya, Izzy Parsons was happy that her international trip paid off. “I’ve played in a number of tournaments in the U.S. making it into a few finals here and there, but I’ve never won so it was great to get this win!” Parsons expressed.

www.uspolo.org

Gallery: All photos ©David Lominska

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*Mia Bray is a member of Team USPA. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.

North America, Polo News

USPA Intra-Circuit Tournament

1. July 2020

This Sunday held the sought after 2020 USPA Intra-Circuit final. This tournament holds great importance at the Santa Barbara Polo Club and with the United States Polo Association. The final match was played between Antelope Jr., reigning champions from the Folded Hills Pope Challenge Tournament, and Dundas, who was undefeated in their bracket for this tournament.

Striking from the field to open up the first, Juan Monteverde was quickly countered by a series of three consecutive goals as Dundas fired between the posts. Adding their second tally to the scoreboard, Antelope Jr.’s goal was met once more by back-to-back goals from 7-goaler Santi Torres to close the second chukker 5-2 in favor of Dundas. “Our strategy was simplicity,” Siegel-Magness said. “Our game plan was playing man to man and making sure we each worked together to clear the space to make runs to goal. While defense was our first priority, we then transitioned to a strong offense.” Consistently producing a goal per chukker, Monteverde saw an opportunity to capitalize on a Penalty 2 conversion early in the third. Dundas sprung into action with another offensive attack to increase their growing lead by five and with all team members contributing to the scoreboard by halftime 8-3.

Returning in the second half with a Penalty 4 conversion, Monteverde continued to keep Antelope Jr. in the fight as the only member to score so far. Picking up another three, Dundas maintained their steady upward trajectory with undeniable strategy, concentration and determination. Rising to Antelope Jr.’s aid in the fifth chukker, Felipe Vercellino answered back with two goals, yet Dundas relentlessly added three more to their tally to end the fifth with a significant lead 14-6. Hammering in two final goals to bring his total to eight, Torres created a deficit virtually unconquerable by their opponents at such a late stage in the game. Launching three goals of his own in the final minutes, Monteverde’s effort could not overcome the disparity and Dundas was named 2020 champions winning 16-9.

“I’m extremely grateful to my team,” Siegel-Magness said. “Santi [Torres] was injured early in the season and having him come back so quickly and strong was amazing. Mariano [Fassetta] and I have been playing together for a few years and this win meant so much because he spends so much time working with me on drills and technique. Also, watching my pilot Juan Cruz [Marcos] shine in his first 12-goal tournament and seeing his personal progress was exciting for me.”

Responsible for five of Dundas’ total goals, Juan Cruz Marcos, was named Most Valuable Player. “For me it was a great experience, plus this was my first season in the United States and I‘m very happy to be participating in USPA tournaments,” Marcos said. Best Playing Pony honors were presented to Cypress (River Dance x Magnolia), played by Santi Torres as a spare throughout the game with four appearances and bred and owned by Valiente.

In addition to the trophy, Dundas also received $2,500.00 in prize money from participating in the COVID-19 USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package. “I gave the prize money to my team to pass on to the grooms,” Siegel-Magness shared. “Our grooms make all this possible and they deserve to be recognized for a job well done. I appreciate them so much and they work so hard to keep both the players and horses safe!”

About Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the premier destination for summer polo. Players and Patrons from all across the globe call Santa Barbara their home for the summer, bringing world class polo to the Southern California coast. No spectators will currently gather for matches due to COVID-19. We are taking all precautions during the 2020 season including weekly testing, face-masks, and social distancing. Please visit the Spectator Information page for more information.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website, www.sbpolo.com.

Photos: © David Lominska

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This Sunday held the sought after 2020 USPA Intra-Circuit final. This tournament holds great importance at the Santa Barbara Polo Club and with the United States Polo Association. The final…

North America, Polo News

Folded Hills Pope Challenge

17. June 2020

There was a big leadup to the Folded Hills Pope Challenge Final. In order to play in the final, there was a three-way shoot-out on the Friday before between Antelope, BenSoleimani.com, and Dundas 2 to secure a spot against Antelope Jr. on Sunday. The final ended up being a father vs. son matchup between Antelope and Antelope Jr.

The 4 PM match started a little slow as the teams warmed up and felt out how they were going to play. However, halfway through the first chukker, Antelope came out with the first goal from Maco Llambias which Grant Palmer quickly rebutted. The second chukker showed strong defense and clean play with only one goal and one foul the entire seven and a half minutes. The last chukker of the half put Antelope in the lead with two strong penalty shots and another goal from Maco Llambias, ending the half with a score of 4-2.

To start off the second half, Antelope Jr. kicked it into gear scoring five goals total. Felipe Vercillino played this chukker on Best Playing Pony, Sandunga, and made it count with one coast to coast goal and another one from 60 yards out. Antelope tried to turn it back around in the fifth chukker with a nice field goal from Jimmy Wright, but Antelope Jr scored another two goals to keep a steady lead of 9-6 going into the final chukker. Each team scored two goals in the last chukker to maintain the gap in score, but one goal stood out with an impressive cut shot from Grant Palmer. The match finished at 11-8 to Antelope Jr.

Antelope Jr. played cohesively as a team that knows each other very well and they reaped the rewards. Most valuable player, Grant Palmer, commented on the match, “It was a very physical game – by continuously passing the ball up the field we were able to stretch our opponents and come out with the win.” The Folded Hills Pope Challenge Final boasted excellent polo and regardless of missing spectators, all players brought their best.

Photos: © David Lominska / polographics.com

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About Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the premier destination for summer polo. Players and Patrons from all across the globe call Santa Barbara their home for the summer, bringing world class polo to the Southern California coast. No spectators will currently gather for matches due to COVID-19. We are taking all precautions during the 2020 season including weekly testing, face-masks, and social distancing. Please visit the Spectator Information page for more information.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website, www.sbpolo.com.

© Thomas Wirth

There was a big leadup to the Folded Hills Pope Challenge Final. In order to play in the final, there was a three-way shoot-out on the Friday before between Antelope,…

Art & Design, Lifestyle, North America, Personalities & Clubs, Polo News

Federation of international Polo & Art Collection

13. December 2019

In a joint initiative the Federation of International Polo, Polo & Art and Squinkbox in San Diego, California, the world of polo may have the opportunity to enjoy the art of polo.

Marcelo Decoud, ( an international veteran polo player) Ceo of Polo & Art and Patricio Lloret, Ceo of Squinkbox Printing ,together with FIP (Federation of International Polo) will launch in 2020 a web page with new and renowned artists dedicated to illustrating in their works different scenes of the sport of kings.

The Polo & Art website will feature an online art gallery, where polo lovers will not only appreciate the works of different artists, but also access them through high quality certified collectable limited edition giclee prints.

MELINDA BREWER , ART DIRECTOR OF POLO & ART
The artistic direction of the project is in charge of the renowned polo artist Melinda Brewer.

Melinda has been painting professionally since 1982, recognized as one of Canada’s foremost wildlife artists.Since 1992, Melinda has concentrated on her passion on one of her favorite subjects, equine art, both commissioned portraits and specifically the art of polo. Her paintings have been featured in exhibitions at the Kentucky Derby Museum, the American Academy of Equine Art, and in polo clubs across North America. Her polo pony portraits were featured in an annual exhibition and in the permanent collection of International Polo Club Palm Beach. She is represented in the permanent collection “Horses to Remember” at the National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame since 2000. Her artwork has been featured in several polo magazines, including Hurlingham, and the USPA Polo Players Edition. She has contributed artwork and sponsorship to the American Polo Horse Association, the Polo Training Foundation as well as the Polo Players Support Group. Her work has been acclaimed and recognized by many polo players and polo enthusiasts as well as renowned art collectors. Her work is appreciated for the sensitive understanding and detail in watercolor portraiture and for capturing the elegance and nuance of polo scenes.

THE POLO STARS PROJECT
Melinda is the author and creator of Polostars® a book published annually since 2002 featuring her polo art and polo pony portraits and biographies. She is currently working on the thirteenth volume in the series. In partnership with the National Museum of Polo she has produced three books, Poloart, a season of polo and art. She is currently working on the fourth book, available in early 2020.

Also the initiative make available to polo lovers the access for commissioned works requests which allows to create a personalized original artwork from a photograph.

www.fippolo.com

Polo & Art Collection:

Melinda Brewer, Melinda horses, ( the five polo ponies in B&W)

Guzman Garcia Lenguas, a novel artist from Uruguay.

© Thomas Wirth

In a joint initiative the Federation of International Polo, Polo & Art and Squinkbox in San Diego, California, the world of polo may have the opportunity to enjoy the art…

North America, Polo News

Klentner Ranch claim first Silver Air Pacific Coast Open title

4. September 2018

With memories of their devastating double overtime loss to Farmers & Merchants Bank last year, Klentner Ranch was prepared to leave everything on the field and win the 2018 Silver Air Pacific Coast Open Final. Despite being defeated by Lucchese once in bracket play and losing Justin Klentner to a hand injury, Klentner Ranch was determined to make their second chance count. Played on Sunday, September 2, at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California, the final showcased fierce competition until the end, Klentner Ranch ultimately earning the win they sought 8-6.

Coming out strong from the first chukker, Klentner Ranch carried their momentum throughout the first half against the formidable and well mounted Lucchese team. Both teams struggled for possession foreshadowing another tight match, however Klentner was able to capitalize on numerous Lucchese fouls to gain the edge. Early in the second Jesse Bray* converted a Penalty 3, but was met by an answering field goal from Jeff Hall who broke through a clustered pack to score. Intensifying in the third, the pressure of the game was felt as the third yellow card fell on a dangerous riding call. Fresh off a semifinal win in the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) Championship, substitute Jake Klentner* brought his game sense from Colorado, scoring a smart field goal to keep his team up by one at halftime 4-3.

Adding a Penalty 3 conversion each to their respective tallies, both sides continued to go all out in the fourth, remaining within one. Slipping out of the pack to make a coast-to-coast breakaway on 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare Fondue, Facundo Obregon made a strong statement with an open backshot tap to goal. Ending the fifth still neck-in-neck at 7-6 in favor of Klentner Ranch, the game came down to the wire. Defending their end line well and capitalizing on a pivotal foul, Klentner Ranch’s Mariano Obregon put the final Penalty 2 goal on the board, cementing their well-deserved victory 8-6.

Although he could not be with his Western Region team for the NYTS Final earlier in the day, Jake Klentner was eager for the opportunity to step in for his dad in the Pacific Coast Open Final and help bring home the win. “The whole situation is surreal! I’m so thankful to my dad for letting me come out to California to play in this tournament,” Jake Klentner exclaimed. Made by Tara Grey Jewelers, each 2018 Pacific Coast Open winner received a striking ring to commemorate the experience. Showing off his Pacific Coast Open ring, that bore a striking resemblance to a Super Bowl championship ring, Klentner beamed, “Who doesn’t like a ring? I feel like Tom Brady right now!”

Watching his son win such an important tournament, Justin Klentner was proud to see him play in his place. “After last year, we needed to win this,” Justin Klentner remarked. “My hope is that we win it the next 10 years in a row, but after last year’s double overtime, we needed to win it this year. To have Jake win it is better than having me win it to be honest with you. We are looking for the future of American Polo, and here it is! We had three Team USPA players on our team, Remy*, Jesse and Jake. That’s the whole idea and proof that it is helping. NYTS is helping, the USPA is helping, the kids are getting better and they are contributing. I couldn’t be prouder of the whole organization and our organization.”

Most Valuable Player was awarded to Klentner Ranch’s Remy Du Celliee Muller*. “This is my second Pacific Coast Open win and it’s best to win it with friends,” Muller said. “Today I played my best horse, Phoebe, in three chukkers. I got her from Tom Gose and bought her in the spring of 2015 as a five-year-old.”

Best Playing Pony honors were presented to Jesse Bray’s 10-year-old bay mare Venice played in the first and the fifth chukkers. “I got her as a two-year-old off the training track and my dad made her,” Bray shared. “She has been playing well in this tournament and is just starting to peak now.”

www.sbpolo.com

With memories of their devastating double overtime loss to Farmers & Merchants Bank last year, Klentner Ranch was prepared to leave everything on the field and win the 2018 Silver…

North America, Polo News

Taqueada Polo: New polo movement in Northern California

20. July 2018

Taqueada Polo hosted the first annual Beach Polo Tournament at Seascape resort in Aptos, California. Taqueada Polo is an established polo company in Argentina who expanded this year into the USA with the objective to bring professional polo to Northern California. Currently Taqueada Polo is building the only full sized, professional field in the area, along with stables and corrals for 60+ horses. Ciro Desenzani is the President of the organisation in Argentina and the USA.

Taqueada Polo was founded in Paraje La Ellerstina – Argentina, the world capital of polo, just 50 minutes from Buenos Aires. The club in Argentina has two full-sized Tifton polo fields maintained to the highest level and 60 five-star stables. For over 10 years Taqueada Polo has received players and guests from around the world to play, take polo clinics and compete with the team.

In 2018 Taqueada Polo expanded into the USA with the ambition to bring the sport of kings to San Francisco and the Bay Area. Located in Gilroy CA, Taqueada Polo has a project to build the first full-sized, professional polo field in Northern California, and bring a variety of polo events and tournaments to the area. The Beach Polo Tournament was the first event of season hosted by Taqueada Polo.

The event was hosted at Seascape Resort’s private beach which was a beautiful setting to play. Seascape VIP homeowner’s took it in turns to throw the ball in at the start of the chukkers. There was a bar serving the public and a VIP lounge including lunch and bar service. Around 300 people came to the event. Next year Taqueada Polo plans to make the event a lot larger to become one of the important annual polo events in the area.

www.taqueadapoloteam.com

Photo: Taqueada Polo