Polo

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The new club magazine for the Polo Park Zürich

9. July 2024

POLO+10 special edition

Thrilling world-class polo, inspiring personalities and an unmistakable, vibrant lifestyle: these are just three of the many aspects that have closely linked POLO PARK ZÜRICH and POLO+10 for many years.

A connection that will continue to inspire polo fans in the future: “I am delighted that after twenty years of successful collaboration, we are continuing on our common path and are now publishing the new club magazine for POLO PARK ZÜRICH,” says POLO+10 publisher Thomas Wirth.

“POLO+10 stands for the highest quality and is the largest and widest-reaching polo magazine in the world. That’s why our club publication for POLO PARK ZÜRICH is in the best hands with Thomas and his team,” explains club president Sébastien Le Page.

You can look forward to exciting new stories from the world of polo – refined with the corresponding lifestyle and interviews. 132 pages full of polo passion and emotions, visions of the future and a deep love of horses.

POLO+10 special edition Thrilling world-class polo, inspiring personalities and an unmistakable, vibrant lifestyle: these are just three of the many aspects that have closely linked POLO PARK ZÜRICH and POLO+10…

In own affaires, Instagram, Polo News

POLO+10 Tournament organised at Iridike Polo: A Thrilling Three-Day Polo Spectacle

4. July 2024

With 4 teams competing at a goal level of 2-4, the tournament was a blend of strategic prowess, athleticism, and equestrian excellence.

The Championship Final was an intensely competitive encounter between Nairobi and Iridike. Nairobi entered the final with a half-goal advantage, a critical edge in the tightly contested match. Both teams displayed remarkable agility and precision, but Nairobi managed to maintain their slight lead, edging out Iridike with a final score of 6.5 to 6. This nail-biting finish crowned Nairobi as the tournament champions.

The Subsidiary Final saw Dany’s Polo face off against the Ybarra Team. Both teams exhibited impressive skills and coordination, but Dany’s Polo managed to pull ahead, securing a decisive 8-5 victory. This match highlighted the strategic depth and teamwork of Dany’s Polo, earning them a well-deserved spot as the third-place team in the tournament.

Tournament Standings:

1. Nairobi – Demonstrating exceptional skill and determination, Nairobi clinched the first-place title, solidifying their status as the top team of the tournament.

2. Iridike – Despite a valiant effort and a closely fought final, Iridike finished in second place, showcasing their competitive edge and sportsmanship.

3. Dany’s Polo – With a strong performance in the Subsidiary Final, Dany’s Polo secured third place, highlighting their strategic play and teamwork.

4. Ybarra Team – Although they finished fourth, the Ybarra Team played with heart and tenacity, contributing to the overall excitement and high level of competition throughout the tournament.

The POLO+10 tournament was a resounding success, bringing together talented teams and providing thrilling polo action over three days. Each match was a testament to the skill, strategy, and passion that define the sport of polo. Congratulations to all the teams for their outstanding performances, and particularly to Nairobi for emerging as the champions of this prestigious event.

Article written by: Amandine Fay @amandefay

All photos by: Bianca Wintersteiger @isabellaxbianca

With 4 teams competing at a goal level of 2-4, the tournament was a blend of strategic prowess, athleticism, and equestrian excellence. The Championship Final was an intensely competitive encounter…

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The second Polo Nations Cup for France

24. June 2024

Six nations, including three newcomers to Chantilly, ten teams, twenty-five games, including those of the subsidiary cup won by Italy, ten days of tournament action ending in a beautiful final won by the French team from Occitanie. This is the outcome of the second Polo Nations Cup, now firmly established in the European calendar of prestigious competitions. This is the kind of tournament a captain wants to add to their list of achievements. On Sunday, that lucky captain was a Frenchwoman, Isabelle Larenaudie.

Over the past five years, Isabelle Larenaudie has built this fine Occitan team, known as Tédélou in other tournaments, around two Argentinian brothers who grew up playing polo at the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly. Simon and Ramiro Zavaleta are French at heart and speak the language fluently. This brotherhood is the strength of this team, which is completed by the talented Breton Jules Legoubin. From the outset, the French team took control of the match, leaving little room for the star of the Pakistan team, handicap 7 Tito Ruiz Guiñazo: „We had a plan for Tito,“ reveals Simon Zavaleta, „to neutralise him at all costs. Nobody was going to mark him in particular, but as soon as someone was near him, he had to be taken out at all costs.” The plan worked well, especially for Simon, who scored 7 of his team‘s 8 goals, including a sublime golaso in the second chukker, and was rightly named MVP of the final: „On an individual level, it is a great reward, but this is above all a team performance. There were five of us who won this title, including Nicolas Corti Maderna, who replaced me in the semi-final when I was ill, and who qualified us for this final“. Unbeaten throughout the tournament, the team always led until Pakistan came back to 7-6 in the final chukker: „But Ramiro scored a magnificent goal at that point to give us a two-point lead and definitively some breathing space. I think it was a great game for the fans. Now we‘re not going to stop there: we want to win the Trophée du Coquetier d‘Or next week, then the Coupe d‘Or in Deauville in August, and the Open de France here in Chantilly in September. Everything!” An insatiable young Argentinian.

This summer: an „Olympic“ France against United States, followed by a promising Open de France

The Polo Nations Cup 2024 marked the end of the first half of the season, with the prospect of a summer full of high-level events at the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly just around the corner. The nations will once again be in the spotlight on 7 August with the Paris Games Polo Challenge 2024, a test match between the national teams of France and the United States which, right in the middle of the Olympic Games, will commemorate the great era when polo was part of the Olympic programme. In 1924 in particular, the Olympic tournament kicked off with a game opposing France and the USA… largely dominated by the Americans. A rematch 100 years on!

Then, in September, it‘s time for the flagship tournament of the French season, the 24th Open de France (4-22 September), for which twelve teams have already entered nine of the world‘s top forty players, including the title holder with Kazak, Nicola Pieres, a former winner of the Argentine Open. On 17 September, the women will be taking part in the French Women‘s Open, which will also feature top players such as the winners of the Argentine Women‘s Open, England‘s Hazel Jackson and Argentina‘s Lia Salvo. The aftermath of the Olympic Games will be just as sporting and just as enjoyable to savour for three weeks on the magnificent grounds of the Apremont Farm.

The final in numbers :

Occitanie – France (12): Isabelle LARENAUDIE 0, Jules LEGOUBIN 3, Simon ZAVALETA 5 (7 goals, including 2 penalties), Ramiro ZAVALETA 4 (1 goal).

Lahore – Pakistan (12) : Haider NASEEM 0, Elena VENOT 2 (1 goal), Hilario RUIZ GUINAZU 3 (1 goal), Tito RUIZ GUINAZU 7 (4 goals, dont 2 pénalités).

Progression France : 2-1 / 3-1 / 5-2 / 7-4 / 8-6.

MVP by Majoa Paris (Most Valuable Player) : Simon Zavaleta (France)

MVP Amateur by Majoa Paris : Haider Naseem (Pakistan)

BPP (Best Playing Pony) : West, played and owned by Tito Ruiz Guinazu (Pakistan)

Six nations, including three newcomers to Chantilly, ten teams, twenty-five games, including those of the subsidiary cup won by Italy, ten days of tournament action ending in a beautiful final…

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Polo Nations Cup goes from strength to strength (13 to 23 June)

11. June 2024

Launched in 2023 at the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly under the auspices of the French Polo Federation (FFP), the Polo Nations Cup has immediately established itself as the most important early season event on the French international calendar and welcomed three new countries this year: Pakistan, the ancestral home of polo; Belgium, which is making a comeback on the world polo scene; and Italy, one of Europe‘s leading nations.

Ten teams from three continents and six nations: the Polo Nations Cup has taken off. Among the values of the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly, founded in 1995 by Patrick Guerrand-Hermès, that of friendship between peoples, to which it is attached, is given full expression by this innovative competition.

Over ten days, teams from the United States, Pakistan, Germany, Italy, Belgium and France will compete for this prestigious trophy. The teams will also include some of Argentina‘s top professionals, with famous names such as Tito Ruiz Guiñazu, a regular at the Argentine Open, Simon and Ramiro Zavaleta and Valentin Novillo Astrada, who come from great Argentine families and dynasties that have written the history of the sport.

Playing for South-East France, the PACA team, title holders and 100% French, is made up of three young players, Dorian Bulteau, Louis Jarrige and Julien Reynes, thanks to the loyal commitment of their captain, Jean-Claude Legrand. Other young French professionals will also be taking part, including the talented Elouan Badarello (aged 19), playing for the Americans from Illinois, and Jules Legoubin (Occitanie), who is making great strides this year. And let‘s not forget Elena Venot, a professional female player who holds a key role in mixed teams such as Pakistan, a country she played in last year and a team she is part of in this Polo Nations Cup. Some of these young talents will represent France in the commemorative match of the 1924 Paris Olympic Games against the United States next August.

Kick-off on 13 June with :

France (Rhône-Alpes) – Pakistan, followed by Italy – Germany (Hamburg).

Launched in 2023 at the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly under the auspices of the French Polo Federation (FFP), the Polo Nations Cup has immediately established itself as the…

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Polo Nations Cup, Year 2

19. April 2024

After a successful first edition in which the French PACA region beat South Korea, the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly announces a second Polo Nations Cup that will be even more competitive and international, with ten teams representing six nations.

In the world of equestrian sport, especially for the Olympic disciplines (show jumping, dressage and eventing), the Nations Cup is the flagship team event of a season and a federation. The Nations Cup is the only team class in the individual disciplines, alongside the team European and World Championships and of course the Olympic Games.

This high-profile concept had never existed in polo before, even though it is a team sport par excellence! The prospect of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris inspired the French Polo Federation (FFP) and the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly to create the Polo Nations Cup in 2023, a 12-goal tournament that opposes teams representing a nation, region or state.

Polo has always been part of the Olympic family and the FIP is a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It has been an official discipline of the Olympic Games five times. First played at the 1900 Summer Games in Paris, it was dropped from the programme after the 1936 Summer Games in Berlin. An Anglo-American mixed team won the first gold medal in 1900, followed by Great Britain twice (1908 and 1920) and then Argentina (1924 and 1936).

Perhaps the Polo Nations Cup will allow us to gradually return to the glory days of polo at the Olympic Games, but above all it will attract the general public to the sidelines and continue the development of polo in France!

The 2024 edition of the Polo Nations Cup will take place from 13 to 23 June and will be contested by ten teams: Belgium, Pakistan, Italy, the German regions of Hamburg and Lower Saxony, the American states of Illinois and California and the French regions of PACA, Auvergne Rhône Alpes, Île-de-France and Occitanie. The basic rule is that the captain of each team must be a native of the nation or region under which they have registered. Some teams recruit mainly Argentinian reinforcements. For example, Tito Ruiz Guiñazu, one of the best players in the world, was a finalist wearing the Korean colours last year. This year, the „mercenary“ was recruited by Haider Nassem‘s Pakistan team. In the first edition, victory went to an all-French team, PACA, who will be back to defend their title this year. Another 100 per cent national team, the Hanseatic city of Hamburg, includes Heinrich Dumrath as well as the two Craseman brothers and their father Daniel.

The Polo Nations Cup is the highlight of the first half of the season in continental Europe. The French international season promises to be particularly rich this year with the Paris Games Polo Challenge 2024, a match between France and the USA in homage to the opening match of the 1924 Olympic tournament in Paris (on 7 August, see save-the-date below), and the eagerly awaited Open de France in September, the most competitive European tournament with twelve teams already entered. All this on the largest polo ground in France, if not in Europe (9 grass fields and the headquarters of the French Polo Federation), where access to all games is free.

After a successful first edition in which the French PACA region beat South Korea, the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly announces a second Polo Nations Cup that will be…

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4th International Ladies Cup PoloPark Berlin, July 12 to 14, 2024

11. April 2024

An international tournament of the highest caliber: Teams from five nations, accompanied by „the Voice of Polo“ Jan Erik Franck, and a diverse program await the guests.

Preparations for the 4^th International Ladies Cup at PoloPark Berlin are in full swing, and the tournament is shaping up to be a standout event in the polo sports calendar. With six teams from five nations, attendees can expect an international competition enriched by the commentary of Jan Erik Franck, known as “the Voice of Polo,” adding a unique atmosphere to the event. Beyond exciting matches, a diverse program awaits, including a Hat Contest – a highlight that underscores the tradition and elegance of polo. The support from renowned sponsors such as Wolfgang Weiss’s fashion brand “blanche,” Polo Sylt, and Ingo Pyko Real Estate enhances the tournament experience. A new feature this year is the option for table reservations, offering guests an exclusive tournament experience. Complementing this are top-notch gastronomy and musical accompaniment by Polo DJ Sebastian, ensuring a perfect ambiance. The upcoming release of official women’s handicaps by the German Polo Association (DPV) marks an important step in promoting and recognizing women’s polo. The forthcoming tournament at PoloPark Berlin stands out for its high-caliber field of participants, a versatile program, and support from distinguished sponsors. It promises to be an unforgettable event for all polo enthusiasts and guests, further highlighting the sport’s allure.

www.baltic-polo-events.de

By POLO+10
Photography Polo Sylt

An international tournament of the highest caliber: Teams from five nations, accompanied by „the Voice of Polo“ Jan Erik Franck, and a diverse program await the guests. Preparations for the…

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Standing Rock: Interview with Philipp Mueller

6. April 2024

The Standing Rock Polo Team can look back on a successful year. What makes this relatively young team so successful?

Well, last year we played our fourth season in England with three of those being under our old name (Wascosa Polo Team). We try to find a healthy mix of sport and fun, and the way in which team members interact with each other is an important part of this. Everyone in the team has their role and no one is more important than the team itself. Standing Rock is a big family and there’s a great atmosphere in the Team. What’s more, we aim to be as professional as possible and leave nothing to chance.

What are Standing Rock’s plans for the new season?

The new year has started well with a number of tournaments in Argentina and New Zealand some of which have been up to 20-goals. In England, we will also be competing this year in the 12-Goal Victor Ludorum Championship. We’ll also have a newly formed High-Goal Team, to allow us to focus initially on the 18-Goal tournaments. Later in the summer, we plan to play again in Chantilly before heading off to Argentina to take part in further tournaments.

What does the organisation of Standing Rock look like today?

We have our base in England, at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, and at the Guards Polo Club. In Argentina, we recently purchased 20 stables at the La Dolfina Ranch near Cañuelas, which really is becoming the new hotspot in the Buenos Aires area where many of Argentina’s best players are now based. We want to expand this base, which will mean adding and training quite a few young horses so that they can play in the years to come.

Standing Rock is more than a polo team and positions itself as a brand in the polo world. What else is on the agenda besides the polo team itself?

True to the values of the Native Americans, which have been our guiding inspiration, we are committed to fair play and to the welfare of our horses, as well as to the various charities that we support.

Can you tell us more about that?

Starting this year, Standing Rock will donate a Fair Play Award to the HPA for the fairest and most sportsmanlike polo team in England. And of course, we’re eager to see how this award will be received. Emma McDermott, one of the most renowned sculptors in Britain, has been commissioned to create the trophy which we hope will be an inspiration for the polo world. Winning is important, but it’s also about how you conduct yourself towards your opponents, the umpires and the horses. In addition, we are involved in various charities, such as the Polo in the Park tournament in June in London. The annual party for the grooms, which Standing Rock hosts for all the grooms of the Berkshire Polo Club, is also a must. It’s our way of expressing our gratitude for their daily work.

What are your hopes for the new season?

Well, I’m hoping for a thrilling season without any accidents because the health of the players and the horses is paramount. At the end of the day, if we can inspire the polo world with our DNA and the values we stand for, then I will be more than pleased.

By POLO+10
Photography The Art of Polo,
Standing Rock Polo Team/Privat, Prensa Polo

The Standing Rock Polo Team can look back on a successful year. What makes this relatively young team so successful? Well, last year we played our fourth season in England…

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The Central European Polo Association with a new mission

18. March 2024

POLO+10 is proud to have been an exclusive partner of the Central European Polo Association (CEPA) for a long time.

The Central European Polo Association, better known as CEPA, was established by Czechoslovakian polo player Ulrich Ferdinand Kinsky in 1929 in Vienna. It served as the governing body for Polo Clubs in Central Europe, disseminating information from the British Hurlingham Polo Association.

Due to the political situation and the rise of Nazi Germany, CEPA lasted only until August 1st, 1939, when it was abolished by the NS Partei in Vienna.

For almost 70 years, CEPA did not exist. However, when Baron Richard Drasche from Polo Club Schloss Ebreichsdorf in Austria embarked on a mission to reunite polo with former Eastern European countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Romania, he revived the Association with Uwe Zimmerman and Maria Dominowski in 2008.

As each country established its own national association, CEPA became redundant. Therefore, it was restructured with a new plan and mission and handed over to someone new. Jan Zavázal, certified HPA Coach, together with Sylvia Strube and Veronika Svobodova from La Republica Polo Club in Prague took over CEPA with a plan to create a tournament calendar for Central Eastern Europe. This aims to spread information about events happening in central Europe as well as in the former Soviet states, where polo has been growing since the early 1990s.

In addition, CEPA holds a history that began in the Habsburg monarchy, a legacy that should not be forgotten. CEPA continues to publish this precious history, which is still not 100% complete, as the historical facts of the individual countries are a part of
its journey.

CEPA also disseminates Rule Updates from the Hurlingham Polo Association, as it is the respected rule book in Central Europe. Last but not least, a youth program is in place. The aim is to give young people a chance to get involved in this sport by integrating them into the polo society. The mission here is to establish connections with Polo Clubs around the globe and offer job positions for young talents who wish to travel the world by
working in Polo.

This comes with a new brand identity and website which were introduced to represent a modern look for modern times. CEPA welcomes tournament organizers to publish their tournaments.

www.cepapolo.com

Text and Photography by CEPA

POLO+10 is proud to have been an exclusive partner of the Central European Polo Association (CEPA) for a long time. The Central European Polo Association, better known as CEPA, was…

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The German Polo Association introduces Ladies Handicaps: Equal opportunities in the sport of polo

15. March 2024

The German Polo Association (DPV) is delighted to announce the introduction of Ladies Handicaps from 2024! This decision, already established in other foreign associations, marks a significant step towards promoting equal opportunities and fairness in polo for women.

To achieve this aim, the DPV has established its own Ladies HCP Commission, consisting of five members. Led by experienced polo player Svenja Hölty, the commission is comprised of three female and two male polo players. Its primary objective is to ensure the ladies handicaps are awarded fairly and transparently.

The current Ladies HCPs are now available on the DPV website. Four Ladies tournaments are scheduled for the 2024 season, where the new handicaps will be applied for the first time. These tournaments provide an ideal platform for ladies to demonstrate their skills under fair conditions and establish themselves in the polo community.

Here is the programme of the Ladies tournaments for the 2024 season:

5 – 7 July 2024
Copa de Oro Feminino (Polo Club Schleswig-Holstein e.V; Gut Aspern)

12 – 14 July 2024
Internationaler Ladies Cup (Polo Club PoloPark Brandenburg e.V.; Seeburg bei Berlin)

26 – 28 July 2024
Ladies Cup (PPCCBB e.V.; Phoeben)

23 – 25 August 2024
Ladies Cup (Polo Club Mühlen e.V; Mühlen)

These tournaments not only offer exciting matches but also a unique opportunity for ladies to establish themselves in the polo community and showcase their skills.

Looking ahead to the coming season, there will not only be a series of exciting matches but also a continuous review and adjustment of the Ladies Handicaps by the commission. Additionally, Arena HCPs will be set for all active players at the end of the season, which will apply from 2025 onwards.

The German Polo Association stands firmly behind its commitment to growth and diversity in polo and looks forward to an exciting and successful 2024 season.

www.dpv-poloverband.de

Polo News

GU Polo Team Clinches Historic Victory at 2024 USPA Intercollegiate Regionals

11. March 2024

In a remarkable achievement for Georgetown University, the GU Polo Team clinched a historic victory at the 2024 USPA Intercollegiate Southeastern regionals held at the University of Virginia, marking their first prestigious win since the team’s inception in 1952. The finals saw an exhilarating match against Virginia Tech, where the GU team demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork to secure their victory.

The tournament also brought individual accolades to the team members, highlighting their outstanding contributions and skills. Ford Middendorf was awarded the Best Horsemanship Award for his superior performance and expertise in handling the horses. Alfonso Pla Zobel de Ayala received recognition as the all-around player, showcasing his versatility and skill in the game. Additionally, Hamilton Gundlach and Benedikt Jaenecke earned the Best All-Stars Award, marking them as the top players of the tournament and acknowledging their significant impact on the team’s success.

The victory stands as a testament to the dedication, hard work, and spirit of the entire GU Polo Team. Within a span of less than six months, they built a formidable team from scratch, showcasing their prowess at the highest level of intercollegiate polo. This success is attributed to the collective effort of the team, with special mentions to Alfonso Pla, Ashley Parekh, HRH. Prince Muhammad Bin Talal, and Ford Middendorf for their leadership, and Lucie Bacon for her unwavering support and hard work.

The team’s journey to victory was supported by various individuals and organizations, including Dori Burner of Battlefield Polo Club for providing excellent facilities and magnificent horses, Amir Pirasteh for offering clinics, advice, and access to play at Natania Polo Club, and Wayne and Kate from Seneca Polo Club, the team’s host club. The USPA Ass. POLO+10 and all sponsors, parents, and supporters played crucial roles in this remarkable achievement.

This win not only showcases the team’s passion and commitment to the sport but also highlights the strong sense of community and camaraderie within Georgetown University’s sports programs. Looking ahead, the GU Polo Team is gearing up to compete at the USPA Intercollegiate Nationals at Central Polo Club in California, where they will face the top college teams from around the country and the world. The tournament, set to be broadcasted live worldwide by ESPN, presents an exciting opportunity for the GU community to rally support for the team.

The GU Polo Team’s historic win and their journey to the nationals reflect the university’s dedication to excellence in sports and the remarkable spirit of its student-athletes. The team’s achievements are a source of pride for Georgetown University and a beacon of inspiration for future successes.

Contact:
Gustavo (GUS) Fraga-Errecart
Polo Head Coach
Georgetown Polo Club
gf347@georgetown.edu