Polo Players' Edition is the official publication of the U.S. Polo Association. Dedicated to the sport of polo, it features player profiles, game strategy, horse care, playing tips, polo club news and tournament results.
Issue link: https://polo.epubxp.com/i/44977
GIVING BACK Struggling collegiate team participates in community outreach EASTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY POLO CLUB in La Grande, Oregon went through a major reorganization over the past year. Despite facing several challenges, including losing its string, budget and coach, the determined students held the group together and are rebuilding the program. Through it all they have maintained an attitude of appreciation for their successes and are excited about the new year ahead of them. Students are working with a new advisor to restructure the program, with the USPA's Intercollegiate/Interscholastic program to get horses donated, and with a local stable to house the donated horses. The program also received $2000 through the USPA's I/I Start up and Enhancement program to purchase tack. After a polo display at the school's fall club fair, some 30 students expressed interest in joining the program. They are currently organizing fundraisers and setting up an affordable membership dues structure. While working hard to improve its own program, the group still found time to give back to the local community, offering its time and muscle. The girls committed to a two-mile section of Adopt a Highway, and volunteered at the La Grande Mavericks Riding Club with its annual clean up. The riding club is a local non-profit group that provides and sponsors many events that serve youth and 4-H groups as well as the local community. Members of the polo club helped clean up the facilities and sand the bleachers in preparation for repainting. EOU Polo adviser Annette Williams said, "I have been working with these students since January, and I feel very passionate about helping them work through all of this. ... This group of determined students deserves any help anyone is willing to give them." Past EOU Polo President Kait Lewis and current EOU Polo President Samantha Pack help clean up the Mavericks Riding Club facility. CELEBRATING POLO Match honors polo history A member of the EOU women's polo team competes in a horse show at the Mavericks facility after helping with its annual clean-up. ST. REGIS HOTELS & RESORTS hosted the St. Regis 1904 Polo Cup at the Greenwich Polo Club in Greenwich, Connecticut on September 17, proudly supported by Coca-Cola and in partnership with American Express. The polo match celebrated 135 years of U.S. polo, the Greenwich Polo Club's 30th anniversary, and the luxury of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. The first St. Regis Connoisseur and the world's most recognized polo player, Nacho Figueras, captained the St. Regis team and was joined by 9-goal polo great, Mariano Aguerre, and Peter M. Brant, founder of the Greenwich Polo Club and White Birch polo team. Before the match, guests enjoyed a welcome champagne St. Regis' Global Brand Leader Paul James, Greenwich Polo Club's Peter Brant, Nacho Figueras, and St. Regis Connoisseur Jason Wu reception at the Brant Foundation Art Study Center, where they viewed Josh Smith's American Dream. Guests then watched the match from St. Regis' hospitality marquee where they were treated to the brand's signature rituals such as legendary St. Regis afternoon tea and St. Regis' signature cocktail, the Bloody Mary. Throughout the polo match guests also enjoyed a special performance from Jazz at Lincoln Center. POLO PLAYERS EDITION 21 GETTY IMAGES