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2016seasonBIG HORNWYOMING

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Flying H Polo Ad 2016.indd 1 5/17/16 10:55 AM

TABLEof contents

06 Welcome to the Season

09 Summer Schedule

11 Taking Care of Downtown

14 Field Facts

16 Social Pages

18 Welcoming the Dukes

24 Players of 2016

30 Tack and Equipment

32 ERA Rodeo

36 Measuring Community Bene�ts by the Decade

40 �e Lure of the West

44 Rules of the Game

48 Elks Youth Rodeo

54 Team USPA

57 Numbers & Positions

58 Naturally West

62 Polo Terms and De�nitions

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18

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Big Horn, Wyoming

LocationFlying H Ranch79 Bar 13 Road

Big Horn, WY 82833T: 307-674-9447F: 307-674-1865

www.�yinghpolo.com

ContributorsFlying H O�ce Manager

Cara Platt

Program DesignerStacie Beckman

Coe Design & Communications

Advertising & EditingCara Hopcraft

Jimmy NewmanBobbi Stribling

PhotographersKris Bowman

Kim CampbellKristine Dalton

Elizabeth HedleyGillian JohnstonVicki Jorgenson

Dawn PilotCate Sheehan

Bobbi Stribling

ArticlesStacie Beckman

Kris BowmanKim Campbell

Roni DukeBeth Holsinger

Colin BetzlerMr. S.K. Johnston

Sam MortonJimmy Newman

Shawn ParkerGayle Smith

Shannon Whittle

PrintersQuick Printing, Sheridan, WY

Cover photographKim Campbell

�is annual tournament allows our young players the opportunity & experience to

play with the best and allows spectators to watch and support our up-and-coming

talent.

JOIN US AUGUST 7th TO SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF POLO

40 South Main StreetP. O. Box 728

Sheridan, WY 82801(307) 672-7491

422 West 26th StreetP. O. Box 43

Cheyenne, WY 82003(307) 634-3210

Serving Wyoming’s business, agricultural, and

governmental communities since 1949.

We Know Wyoming...

210 S. Warren Ave.

Gillette, WY 82716(307) 682-1246

Kim D. CannonJohn C. McKinley

J. Mark Stewart, PE

Richard M. Davis, Jr.

Hayden F. Heaphy, Jr.Clint A. LangerAmanda F. Esch

Charles R. Hartof counsel

On the web at www.davisandcannon.com

Codie D. HendersonShaina A. Case

Leah C. SchwartzBenjamin N. Reiter

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welcome

2016We are looking forward to another wonderful summer of not only great polo, but beautiful scenery, weather, and camaraderie with a great group of people.

2016 is the 12th year for the Flying H Polo Club. Our 8 week season will run from �ursday, July 9th through Saturday, August 27th. As in the past, each week will be a new tournament. Teams will be changed each week to give players a chance to play with as many di�erent people as possible and create a level playing �eld. �is format has proven over the years to

insure a friendly but competitive spirit. Of course the Flying H Polo Club will once again work closely with our neighbor, the Big Horn Polo Club as many of our members also play there. Together, the Big Horn Polo Club and the Flying H Polo Club o�er the full polo package. From lessons to green horse training, these two clubs together make Big Horn, Wyoming the U.S.'s premier medium goal polo destination. – JIMMY NEWMAN

seasonto o

ur

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JULY 9TH Oliver Wallop Cup Canyon Ranch/Wallops Peak Powersports

JULY 16TH Skeeter Johnston Leslie & Lousia Johnston Chase Brothers Properties Alpine Climate Control Memorial Cup

JULY 23RD Moncrei�e Cup Big Horn Beverage Big Horn Smokehouse

JULY 30TH Cloud Peak Cup Powder Horn Heartland Kubota Prestfeldt Surveying

JULY 31ST Goose Creek Cup Downtown Sheridan Downtown Sheridan Association Association

AUGUST 6TH Bozeman Trail Cup Bozeman Trail Gallery Wyoming Roo�ng Heritage Woodworks Inc. King’s Saddlery

AUGUST 7TH Archie MacCarty Cup Big Horn Smokehouse Wendtland and Wendtland

AUGUST 13TH Gallatin Ranch Cup Mirr Ranch Group Peak Powersports

AUGUST 20TH Bradford Brinton Bradford Brinton Museum Kilpatrick Creations Memorial Cup

AUGUST 27TH Skeeter Johnston Davis and Cannon Sportsman of Season

AUGUST 27TH Flying H Cup Coca-Cola Big Horn Smokehouse

AUGUST 27TH Glen Hart Horse of the Year Wildlife Resources

AUGUST 27TH Bob Tate Best String Award Johnston Family

BEST PLAYING All Tournaments Perk’s Horspital PONIES

schedule SEE YOU THERE . . .

UPCOMING

SUMMER

DATE TOURNAMENT TEAM SPONSOR CONSOLATION MVP SPONSOR SPONSOR

2016Wilcox

Abstract & Title Co.

Tom KinnisonBrian KinnisonJodi IlgenKelly CaminoMary Zemski

Title InsuranceReal Estate Closings

1031 ExchangeMineral Research

307 West BurkittSheridan, WY 307-672-0768

• Wildlife Management & Habitat Development, including upland game, big-game, waterfowl, & fisheries• Ranch Brokerage & Absentee Management • Rangeland Management & Grazing Plan Design• Noxious Weed Inventory, Mapping, & Control• Energy Industry Wildlife & Range Inventory, Mitigation, & Compliance• GIS Mapping and Database Management

Specializing in Wildlife Management & Habitat Development

Duffy Brown President/Broker, Wildlife Resources, LLCP.O. Box 247 | Big Horn, WY 82833 | Office: 307-674-7377 | Cell: 307-674-4958

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2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

3rd thursday street festivalJune 16th, July 21st, August 18th, September 15th from 5pm to 9pm on Main Street in Sheridan.Come downtown for live music, food,fun, and tons of vendors

rodeo weekJuly 15th-10am Parade down Main Street in SheridanJuly 15th and 16th-10:30pm Street Dance on Main Street

Sheridan Farmers’ MarketJuly 7th-October 8th-Every Thursday from 5 to 7pm Grinnell Plaza in the heart of Downtown Sheridan

Goose Creek Polo Cup Highest rated polo game played in the USA this summer!July 31st-Gates open at 3pm4 chukker polo game begins at 5pmFlying H Polo Club on Bird Farm Road in Big HornTailgating, games, food, fun, and champagne!

CRAZY DAYSMassive summer blow out sale on Main Street!August 4th, 5th, and 6th

Come Downtown! www.downtownsheridan.org

Questions? Call the

Downtown Sheridan Association

307-672-8881

dsa taking care

the downtown sheridan association (dsa) is approaching it’s 30 year anniversary!

By Beth holsinger, Executive Director, DSA

The Downtown Sheridan Association

(DSA) is approaching its 30 year anniversary! �e payo� for all

of the many years of hard work by a few dedicated sta� and the many committed

volunteers are awards like the USA Today’s “Most Picturesque Small Town” in Wyoming article published

in the October 28, 2015 issue.

�e DSA mission is to enhance and preserve Historic Downtown Sheridan to ensure economic prosperity. By placing public art, adding beautiful streetscapes that complement our Historic Downtown, providing green space, supporting stream restoration and pathways leading to and from downtown, as well hosting events on Main Street and Grinnell Plaza we have been strategically placemaking for over a decade!

Utilizing the National Main Street Four Point Approach, DSA board members and community volunteers meet monthly to discuss promotions, design and economic restructuring of our Historic Downtown. �ese committees help organize people of all ages who volunteer and give back time and e�ort to make Sheridan the

community we all cherish.

Whether gathering at 7 a.m. on a cool spring morning to transplant �owers and hang up over 219 �ower baskets on Main Street; participating in set up and tear down at all of our downtown events including the 3rd �ursday Street Festival and Farmers’ Markets or helping to organize and promote shop local campaigns; in the past year, our Main Street volunteers and sta� have reinvested over 3500 volunteer hours and $100,000 into our preservation and economic development e�orts.

Historic Downtown Sheridan is a vibrant place of commerce and celebration. We love to live, work, play and shop downtown! Some of the buildings in Downtown Sheridan are over 100 years old and are genuine landmarks of Sheridan’s rich history & culture. �e Downtown Sheridan Association Board of Directors and sta� are passionate about Historic Downtown Sheridan and committed to helping you imagine the possibilities of your Main Street business or historic property. For more information or to support our e�orts by becoming a member or volunteer, call our o�ce (307)672-8881.

of downtown

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Join us for the 7thD O W N T O W NSHERIDAN ASSOCIATIONGOOSE CREEK CUP

Donated by the Johnston Family and Flying H Polo

• $10/car • 4 Chukker Game • Long Ball Contest • Champagne Divot Stomp

• Food and Beer available for purchase • Fun Activities for the Kids • Player Calcutta

HIGHEST RATED POLO GAME PLAYED IN THE USA THIS SUMMER!

Sunday, July 31 at 5:00pmGates open at 3:00pm

Flying H Polo Club, Bird Farm Road, Big Horn

PRIVATE CATERED SPONSORSHIP TENTS AVAILABLE!

CALL JILL AT 3076728881

Schedule an appointment in your PJ's by visiting

or call307-672-9748

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FIELD�e present club ground was an alfalfa �eld under a pivot in the

summer of 2004 and by the summer of 2005 there stood three tournament polo �elds, two 32 stall barns, a shop and numerous

paddocks. Two of the �elds were leveled and had sprinklers installed and were seeded just in time for the grass to take root and make it through the

winter. �e third �eld was leveled and had most of the sprinklers in the ground before snow stopped progress until spring. A practice �eld and two more barns were

added later. More paddocks and larger turnouts were added to accommodate all the horses. �e Flying H Polo Club now houses 6, 32 stall barns, 3 tournament �elds, 2 practice

�elds, 1 stick-and-ball �eld and 2 exercise tracks.

TURF�e type of grass that was used when planting the polo �elds was primarily Tall Fescue and a small amount of

Kentucky Bluegrass . �e tall fescue is a wide bladed grass that is cut at a height of three quarters of an inch. �is

EXPLANATION OF

for the spectator

FIELDfacts

combination of grasses seems to work well in that it is able to hold a polo ball up o� the ground. �e �elds are mowed with reel mowers that make a cleaner cut on the blades of grass than a conventional blade mower, which is more apt to tear the grass with its spinning blade. �e grass is normally cut 3 times a week. �e grass is cut so often to keep the plants healthy by not cutting o� too much of the plant at one time and to keep the clippings from building up.

MAINTENANCE�e roots of the Tall Fescue can go down to a foot below the surface. �is helps with maintenance by being able to use less water than a grass with a shallower root system. We are able to give it a deep soak less often than other turf grasses. We normally put one and a half to two inches of water on a �eld in the heat of the summer. �ere are approximately 435 sprinkler heads on the 3 tournament �elds and they shoot a distance of about 75 feet. �e irrigation system is all gravity �ow and it can build up over 120 psi. �e water comes from an irrigation ditch and is piped down a hill and through a media �lter that removes anything that might plug up a sprinkler head.

�e �elds are fertilized once a month during our 4-month growing season. �is keeps the grass growing fast and can help with the stress on the plants that the polo games cause.

SANDINGSand helps with the footing on the �elds. �ere is roughly a three inch base of sand that has been put on over the lifetime of the �elds. �e ranch purchased its own screening and wash plant and was able to produce washed sand that was suitable for the polo �elds. Now that we have an established base, we are able to put on a quarter inch of sand a year on the 5 �elds. If you’re wondering how much sand it takes to layer a quarter of an inch on a �eld, it is roughly 400 yards. Sand spreaders are used to spread the sand on evenly and the sprinkler heads are on swing arm joints so they can be raised every two to three years to compensate for the change in ground height.

A polo field, the size of nine football fields, is300 yards long and 160

yards wide.

There are goal posts on each end of the field that are 24 feet apart.

There are lines at 30, 40 and 60 yards out from the goal line that are used for penalty shots.

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Welcome to the dukes

The Flying H Polo Club in tiny Big Horn, Wyoming might be one of the better-kept secrets in North America, but native Texans Roni and Craig Duke can be accused of nothing less than contributing to the singularity of world-class polo played against this magni�cent green and blue mountain backdrop with well-developed passion for the game, as well as something a bit more exotic: the unexpected presence of their parrots, Pearl and Rebecca. �e idea of parrots at polo, let alone in Wyoming, might give a person pause, but it’s true that they can be found whenever the Dukes are playing, either perched in the trees Skey Johnston has so thoughtfully provided for the Flying H, or stalking horses and grooms in the barns, as parrots are wont to do… �e o�cial mascots of Roni’s Parrot Heads team, Pearl and Rebecca are long-time polo a�cionados, with chukker horn mimics accurate enough to catch the unwary player o�-guard. Summer weather in Big Horn is ideal for them, neither too hot nor too cold, and they are well-loved additions to the family atmosphere of Flying H polo.

Roni and Craig Duke are life-long equestrians, although neither grew up playing polo. Since beginning the sport, they’ve played all over the world; from New Zealand to Argentina, Mexico, Africa, and a smattering of states in North America: California, Florida, Tennessee, New York, Kentucky, Alabama, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, and Wyoming. �e Dukes spend much of the year in Midland, TX, but call Wyoming their second home, praising Big Horn’s restaurants, vistas, and small-town, friendly atmosphere.

Roni Duke was born and raised in Austin, Texas, graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in accounting and �nance. She received her Assistant Instructor (AI) certi�cate and Equine Science degree in Ireland, and her Intermediate Instructor (II) certi�cate in England. Roni continued on to Germany to study with gold medalist show-jumper Hans Winkler, before returning to the United States to ride, show, and teach. Roni credits Chrys Beal with what has become a passion for polo; back in Midland and having tired of the show circuit, Roni began watching polo with several friends.

Chrys strongly encouraged her to take lessons, lending Roni a horse, helmet and mallet. Roni began immediately with instructors Carolyn Stimmel and Lizzy Beer. For Chrys’s introduction and encouragement Roni owes “A world of thanks.”

Roni’s love of the game is a given, years of dedication clearly demonstrate this. But it is her underlying passion for the ponies that is remarkable. When asked about picking a favorite, Roni replied, “I have loved each of my ponies in di�erent ways. Not all are equally gifted, but as long as they do the best that they can do, I am thrilled. �ere is just nothing better than to kiss a horse’s nose. It’s a wonderful smell, and makes me feel that all is ok.” Her list of most-desired attributes in a polo pony are familiar to many, “Medium to tall, good stop, good turn, soft mouth, fast but not too fast, easy to hit o� of, kind, good attitude, easy keeper- Just what everyone wants!”

�e highlight of Roni’s polo-playing career was a decade in Florida, she fondly remembers playing in Boca, Gulf Stream, the Flying Cow, WCT Finals and President’s Cup Finals, as well as several tournaments she and Craig

Duke hosted. �e Dukes have more recently spent Spring and Fall seasons in Fairhope, Alabama, with Chip and Kim Campbell, and Curtis and Dawn Pilot; friendships that began here in Wyoming. Her advice to potential newcomers is to “Remember you lose a lot more than you win, so enjoy the journey, not just the destination.” Good counsel that covers far more than just polo…

Craig Duke was born in Pecos, Texas, and began his polo career later in life as well. Craig credits Kelly Beal and Henry Musselman as mentors, and is quick to mention his love of the horses as the primary motivator of his passion for polo. His favorite pony was a grey thorough-bred mare named Poquita. Why? “By far the best horse I’ve ever owned. She could do it all!”

When choosing admirable qualities in polo players themselves, Craig points to Joe Barry and Hector Galindo: “True gentlemen, on and o� the �eld.” Roni credits Julio Arellano with gentlemanly behavior as well, patience, and the ability to keep everything in perspective.

Love of the game and the pony; agility, speed, talent, performance, sportsmanship, and most importantly, camaraderie. �ose are the qualities that draw both Roni and Craig to polo in general, and the Flying H Polo Club in particular, and we are honored to have them for the 2016 season.

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The Flying H Polo Club in tiny Big Horn, Wyoming might be one of the better-kept secrets in North America, but native Texans Roni and Craig Duke can be accused of nothing less than contributing to the singularity of world-class polo played against this magni�cent green and blue mountain backdrop with well-developed passion for the game, as well as something a bit more exotic: the unexpected presence of their parrots, Pearl and Rebecca. �e idea of parrots at polo, let alone in Wyoming, might give a person pause, but it’s true that they can be found whenever the Dukes are playing, either perched in the trees Skey Johnston has so thoughtfully provided for the Flying H, or stalking horses and grooms in the barns, as parrots are wont to do… �e o�cial mascots of Roni’s Parrot Heads team, Pearl and Rebecca are long-time polo a�cionados, with chukker horn mimics accurate enough to catch the unwary player o�-guard. Summer weather in Big Horn is ideal for them, neither too hot nor too cold, and they are well-loved additions to the family atmosphere of Flying H polo.

Roni and Craig Duke are life-long equestrians, although neither grew up playing polo. Since beginning the sport, they’ve played all over the world; from New Zealand to Argentina, Mexico, Africa, and a smattering of states in North America: California, Florida, Tennessee, New York, Kentucky, Alabama, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, and Wyoming. �e Dukes spend much of the year in Midland, TX, but call Wyoming their second home, praising Big Horn’s restaurants, vistas, and small-town, friendly atmosphere.

Roni Duke was born and raised in Austin, Texas, graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in accounting and �nance. She received her Assistant Instructor (AI) certi�cate and Equine Science degree in Ireland, and her Intermediate Instructor (II) certi�cate in England. Roni continued on to Germany to study with gold medalist show-jumper Hans Winkler, before returning to the United States to ride, show, and teach. Roni credits Chrys Beal with what has become a passion for polo; back in Midland and having tired of the show circuit, Roni began watching polo with several friends.

Chrys strongly encouraged her to take lessons, lending Roni a horse, helmet and mallet. Roni began immediately with instructors Carolyn Stimmel and Lizzy Beer. For Chrys’s introduction and encouragement Roni owes “A world of thanks.”

Roni’s love of the game is a given, years of dedication clearly demonstrate this. But it is her underlying passion for the ponies that is remarkable. When asked about picking a favorite, Roni replied, “I have loved each of my ponies in di�erent ways. Not all are equally gifted, but as long as they do the best that they can do, I am thrilled. �ere is just nothing better than to kiss a horse’s nose. It’s a wonderful smell, and makes me feel that all is ok.” Her list of most-desired attributes in a polo pony are familiar to many, “Medium to tall, good stop, good turn, soft mouth, fast but not too fast, easy to hit o� of, kind, good attitude, easy keeper- Just what everyone wants!”

�e highlight of Roni’s polo-playing career was a decade in Florida, she fondly remembers playing in Boca, Gulf Stream, the Flying Cow, WCT Finals and President’s Cup Finals, as well as several tournaments she and Craig

Duke hosted. �e Dukes have more recently spent Spring and Fall seasons in Fairhope, Alabama, with Chip and Kim Campbell, and Curtis and Dawn Pilot; friendships that began here in Wyoming. Her advice to potential newcomers is to “Remember you lose a lot more than you win, so enjoy the journey, not just the destination.” Good counsel that covers far more than just polo…

Craig Duke was born in Pecos, Texas, and began his polo career later in life as well. Craig credits Kelly Beal and Henry Musselman as mentors, and is quick to mention his love of the horses as the primary motivator of his passion for polo. His favorite pony was a grey thorough-bred mare named Poquita. Why? “By far the best horse I’ve ever owned. She could do it all!”

When choosing admirable qualities in polo players themselves, Craig points to Joe Barry and Hector Galindo: “True gentlemen, on and o� the �eld.” Roni credits Julio Arellano with gentlemanly behavior as well, patience, and the ability to keep everything in perspective.

Love of the game and the pony; agility, speed, talent, performance, sportsmanship, and most importantly, camaraderie. �ose are the qualities that draw both Roni and Craig to polo in general, and the Flying H Polo Club in particular, and we are honored to have them for the 2016 season.

Roni jumping Casanova in 1992

Rebecca and Pearl enjoying polo

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to the Flying H Polo Club

Welcoming

Carlucho Arellano

Handicap 5Carlucho was born in Nicaragua and came to the US when he was 1 year old. Carlucho grew up in Wellington, FL as a middle child of six, always watching his older brother play polo. In 1998 he played the FIP for the United States in Santa Barbara. Again in 2001, he represented his country in the FIP in Australia. Since then, he has travelled the polo circuit as a professional. In 2003 he married his wife Agustina Obregon; she is also from a large polo family. He looks forward to sharing his passion for polo with his children.

Julio Arellano

Handicap 8Julio Arellano, currently the highest rated American polo player, was born in Nicaragua in 1972 and came to Florida at the age of seven. He grew up in Wellington, Fl and attended college at FAU in Boca Raton, FL. Julio started playing polo at the age of nine and knew that he wanted to do it for a living at age 14. Julio is married to Meghan Murphy and has three children Agustin, Lucas, and Hope.

Joe Wayne Barry

Handicap 4Joe Wayne began playing polo at age 11 in Indio, CA. Joe Wayne is a third generation polo player and plays professionally for the Uihlein’s “Little Owl” Polo team. He plays in Sarasota, FL in the winters, in Sheridan, WY in the summers and the rest of the time at his home in Houston, TX.

Bradford Blake

Handicap 4Brad is from Cold Spring Harbor LI NY and lives in Wellington, FL. His tournament victories include: Gold Cup of Americas [26], CV Whitney [26], Sterling Cup [22], Canadian Open [20], North American Cup [20], Mercedes Challenge Cup [20], Bronze Cup [12]His past teams include: Outback, White Birch, Millerville, Bud Light, La Lechuza, Grant's Farm, Santa Clara.

Fransisco Bilbao

Handicap 5Frankie was born in June 1970 in Trenque Lauquen, Argentina. He started playing polo at the age of 14 and began traveling at age 20 to groom and play. Frankie reached 6 goals in 2001 and has played all over USA and Canada. He currently plays in Point Clear, AL in the spring and fall months and Wellington, FL in the winter. He is married to Martina and has two sons, Mateo and Cruz.

Chip Campbell

Handicap 2Chip divides his time between Point Clear, AL and Shreveport, LA. Chip’s business interests revolve around real estate, oil and gas, and timber. Chip is married to Kim Campbell (28 years) and has two children, Camille and Camp, who are both Petroleum Engineers graduates from his alma mater, LSU. Chip is currently President of the United States Polo Association.

Roni Duke

Handicap ARoni is the captain of the Parrotheads Polo Team out of Midland, Texas. She has played polo for 12 years, ever since her marriage to Craig. You can usually �nd her �eld-side with her team mascots, Pearl & Rebecca, two African Grey Parrots. �e African Greys attend most games as they are polo celebrities in their own right. �ey get to visit their favorite polo people here in Sheridan.

Gonzalo De La Fuenta

Handicap 3Gonzalo is a manager, horse trainer and polo player. He lives in both Point Clear, Alabama and Trenque, Argentina. Gonzalo is the manager for Sonny Hill Polo operations in the US and the horse breeding operation in Argentina. Gonzalo has played all over the US and is currently playing in Denver, Sheridan, Point Clear, and Pilar, Argentina. He is married to Ana and they have two children, Jose�na and Benjamin.

Craig Duke

Handicap ACraig patron for the NoTrees Polo Team out of Midland, TX. He has played polo for the last 30 years in various locales including West Palm Beach, Palm Desert, Santa Barbara, Jackson Hole, Nashville, Lexington, Santa Fe, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Africa, & Argentina. �is is his 3rd year back in Sheridan as he loves the ambience of the polo here and the people of the area.

Camp campbell

Handicap 1.5Camp is a recent graduate of LSU in Petroleum Engineering. Camp intends to move to New Mexico in January 2017 to begin his business career with Matador Resources. Camp looks forward to improving his polo skills this summer. He also enjoys hunting with his Lab, Gunner.

Sugar Erskine

Handicap 7Sugar grew up in South Africa. He came to the US to play polo after completing school. He was fortunate to be helped by many giving people.He is married to Brigitte and they have two sons, Caiden and Ashe “Peanut”. He has been on winning teams in the US Open, Camara, Gold Cup, Paci�c Coast Open,East Coast Open, Yillvasaca, Joe Barry and Silver Cup. He says that winning is nice, but being involved with the many great organizations that he has come into contact with is the most gratifying.

players 2016of

Miguel Novillo Astrada

Handicap 9 Miguel is from Argentina and comes from a big polo family. He won the Triple Crown in Argentina with his three brothers. His Father Taio, played in America with Skey Johnston for many years during the 80’s. Miguel has been playing in the United States since 1997. Miguel achieved 10 goals when winning the US Open in 2002 with Gillian Johnston for the Coca Cola Polo Team. Miguel is married to Marina and has 5 children, Mia, Tonia, Miki, Azul and Mora. He has been coming to Big Horn since 2005.

Steve Dalton

Handicap 2Steve is married to Kristine and they have a daughter, Stella who is 6 years old. Steve has been playing polo with Wayne Garrison and the Jan Pamela Polo Team for 11 years.

JEFF Blake

Handicap 6Je� is currently a resident of Wellington, FL. He grew up in Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, NY. He loved playing ice hockey. He is currently 6 goals and 7 in the arena. He has won the US OPEN 3 times. Twice with Tim Gannon's Outback Polo Team in1996 and 1999 and again in 2008 with Crab Orchard. He played the US Open in 2008 with Nachi Heguy, Adolfo Cambiaso, George Rawlings. Je� received MVP that year at the Open as well.

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Hector Galindo

Handicap 5Hector started playing polo at the age of 12 in Midland, TX. He quickly rose to 9 goals and has played polo all across the world - from Europe to Africa to South America. Hector plays in Palm Beach, FL in the winter time and in Sheridan, WY in the summers.

Wayne Garrison

Handicap AWayne Garrison is a polo player from Big Horn, Wyoming. He has played at Lexington, Kentucky, Midland, Texas, Norman, Oklahoma, Indio, California, Wellington, FL, Argentina, Jackson, Wyoming, but his very favorite location is Big Horn. He is married to Pamela. �ey have one child, Alexandra.

Tom Gose

Handicap 1Tom Gose is a two time winner of the U.S. Open, once with his father in 1984 and in 1986 with the last all American team to win the event. He is a former winner of the 26 goal Intern’l Cup, and was selected to represent the US team in the �rst FIP World Championships. Additionally, he has won the Silver Cup and the Chairman’s Cup (National 12 goal) amongst other tournaments. He and Martha, his wife of 33 years, have a son, Ty, who is married to Shawna and two daughters Kate and Clair and their new grandson, Grady.

Carlos Galindo

Handicap 4Carlos Galindo has been involved with polo for over 35 years. He started out in Midland, TX where his father worked at the Midland Polo Club. Carlos worked & trained horses for Bart Evans for several years until he met & married his wife Stacey.  Together they have raised 4 children who also are involved with polo. Carlos reached 5 goals and had a successful polo career in Southern

Jim Parr

Handicap 1Jim Parr has been a USPA member since 1986 and is a USPA Delegate for �e Villages Polo Club. He is the Institutional Consulting Director for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. He is a graduate of Wo�ord College in Spartanburg, SC and is married to Jennifer Parr. �ey have 6 children. Jim owns Red Path Ranch in Story, Wyoming and enjoys �shing, hunting and ranching.

Gonzalo Teves

Handicap 4Gonzalo is from Santa Fe, Argentina. He resides in Point Clear, Alabama with his wife Carolina, and their two sons, Santos, who is 6 years old and Felipe, who is 1 year old. Gonzalo plays for Clearwater Polo Team in Point Clear, Alabama.

James P. Uilein

Handicap 2�is will be James' 3rd summer playing at the Flying H Club. He plays winter polo in Sarasota, Florida, where he resides with his wife, Christie and daughter, Emma James. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, James is a third generation polo player, following in the footsteps of his father, Jamie Uihlein and grandfather, Robert Uihlein, Jr. James began playing polo in 2005.

Gillian Johnston

Handicap 2Gillian grew up in Chattanooga, TN and began playing polo at the age of 12. She currently divides her time between her home in West Palm Beach, FL and the Flying H Ranch in Big Horn, WY. Gillian is the patron for Bendabout Polo Team and credits her 2002 U.S. Open win as the highlight of her career.

California while also raising, training and selling horses to play polo. He is currently rated 4 goals, still raising & training horses as well as being involved with the USPA professional umpire program. 

Francisco Lanusse

Handicap 6Francisco is married to Mariana Neuss, they have 2 children, Francisca 11, Jesu 10 and Florencio 6. �ey all ride and play kids polo at home. For the last 6 years, Francisco played in Mashomack every summer and Argentina from October to April. From 1998 to 2008 he played in Florida. He has also played many years in Aiken, Santa Barbara and Long Island. Currently he has a small farm in Pilar and plays at the Centauros polo Club when in Argentina.

Curtis Pilot

Handicap ACurtis Pilot lives in Point Clear, Alabama and is Patron of Sunny Hill Polo team. Curtis has been playing polo for 7 years. He currently plays in Denver, Pilar, Argentina, Point Clear, Sheridan and Argentina. He is a CEO of Pilot Catastrophe, based in Mobile, AL. Curtis and Dawn have three children. Daughter Nikki and Maury Carlisle and grandson Pilot “Salem” Carlisle. �eir son, Hunter is married to Spencer and their youngest daughter, Courtney.

Shane Rice

Handicap 4Shane Rice hails from Poway, CA, but now calls Sealy, Tx home. Born into a polo playing family, he won two national interscholastic championships with his sister and cousin, and was then named the 2002 PTF Interscholastic Player of the Year. He then went on to begin his professional career, whose highlights include playing the 20 goal season in Wellington.

mason wroe

Handicap 4Horses have always been a constant in my life growing up in Midland, TX. I began riding jumpers with my mom at a young age, and then switched to polo with my dad. After receiving a marketing degree from Texas A&M, I decided to play polo full time. Polo has allowed me to travel around the U.S. and the world, playing in China, India, and Chile to name a few. I've also been privileged to play with some of the best organizations in polo, Coca Cola, Orchard Hill, and Tonkawa. I have represented my country in two FIP tournaments, 2011 and 2015. I currently live with my wife, Kaylee, on our farm in Cat Spring, TX.

Paige mccabe

Handicap 1Paige was born in �e Villages, FL and started playing polo when she was a young teen. She went to CSU. to play polo for a year, but graduated from Stetson University in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Spanish. Paige began working at �e Villages Polo Club following graduation. Her parents, Jim and Jennifer Parr, bought a ranch in Story, WY and she has been spending her summers out here ever since. Paige married Ryan McCabe in December 2015. 

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1 �e Helmet and its padded lining is used to prevent trauma by absorbing a shock to the head resulting from hitting the ground or from the impact of a ball or mallet.

2 �e polo bridle is typically made up of two sets of reins (draws and straight), brow band, nose band, drop nose band, standing martingale and bit. All these components allow the rider to communicate direction and speed to the horse.

3 �e cane of the mallet is made from Manau cane, a thorny member of the palm family. �e head is cut from the Tipa tree, a durable, close grained wood. �e ball is hit with the side of the mallet. Players generally have their initials stamped on the heads of their mallets.

4 �e whip is made from �berglass and wrapped with nylon. It is used to propel the horse in a forward motion.

5 �e polo saddle is a supportive structure for the rider. It characteristically has a relatively �at seat and saddle �aps are long and fairly straight. �ere is very little or no padding on a polo saddle allowing the rider to have maximum freedom of movement.

6 Players usually wear a riding glove on their mallet hand. Some wear gloves on both hands for better grip and protection on the reins and mallet.

7 Knee guards provide protection to the knees of the rider during play.

8 Riding boots not only protect the legs from wayward balls, bumps and potential bruises but come high enough up the leg to prevent the leathers of the saddle from pinching the leg of the rider. �e boot has a distinct heel to prevent the foot from sliding through the stirrup.

9 Splint or tendon boots protect and support the horse’s tendons/legs from impact from the mallet or another horse’s legs. �ey are usually �tted to the leg over the wraps.

10 With a diameter of 3 to 3½ inches and a weight of 3½ to 4½ ounces, the polo ball is made of solid, hard, high-impact plastic, unlike the former wooden balls used in the “good ol’ days!”

EVERY LITTLE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT HELPS IN THE GAME TOWARDS A WIN!

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EXPLANATIONing

a spectators guide

tack andequipment

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Cowboy State Elite Rodeoon the Elite Rodeo Athletes Premier

Tour set for Labor Day Weekend in Sheridan

new era of rodeo is coming to Sheridan.

�is Labor Day Weekend, the Elite Rodeo Athletes Premier Tour rides into town as Sheridan hosts the inaugural Cowboy State Elite Rodeo.

In December, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo board made the decision to organize an ERA event in hopes of increasing tourism over Labor Day Weekend in Sheridan and building the sport of rodeo as a whole for future generations — which is the ERA’s major objective.

“We’re thrilled to host a rodeo on the new ERA circuit here in Sheridan,” said Cowboy State Elite Rodeo president Nick Siddle. “Fans here have been great to the sport of rodeo for years, and we think it’s great that the athletes are working so hard to pay them back. �is new brand of fan-and-athlete-centric rodeo in small-town Wyoming is what the sport is all about, and this will be one of the higest-quality rodeos you’ll �nd anywhere.”

Sheridan’s event will bring the top 87 cowboys and cowgirls in the world to town for one night on

Saturday, Sept. 3. �e

ELite

premierathletesrodeo

tour

Cowboy State Elite Rodeo is one of 15 events on eight stops across the U.S., and will be nationally televised on FOX Sports 2 as part of the multi-million dollar deal. Sheridan stands out as the only Wyoming city and the only outdoor venue on the schedule. �e FOX Sports 2 deal makes the ERA Premier Tour the largest household network audience in the sport of rodeo, and Sheridan’s event will be televised on Sept. 7 in primetime.

Sheridan marks the �fth stop on the tour, following rodeos in Redmond, Ore., Boise, Idaho, Salt Lake City and Albuquerque and preceding the �nal events in St. Louis, Atlanta and New Orleans. �e ERA circuit culminates Nov. 9-13, 2016 with a �ve-day World Championship at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Payouts are expected to exceed $4 million.

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Due to a dispute with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, ERA athletes will not participate in PRCA events this year. �at means the ERA circuit and the Cowboy State Elite Rodeo provide the only chance to see the sport’s top athletes, including: 23-time World Champion Cowboy, Trevor Brazile; 11-time World Champion barrel racer, Charmayne James; four-time World Champion bareback rider, Kaycee Field; �ve-time World Champion steer wrestler, Luke Branquinho; three-time World Champion calf roper, Tuf Cooper; eight-time World Champion calf roper, Fred Whit�eld and World Champion barrel racer, Fallon Taylor.

As the ERA works to pull back the curtain for rodeo fans and make stars out of its athletes, Wyoming’s ERA participants will be at the forefront of the Cowboy State Elite Rodeo as well, including team roper Jhett Johnson of Casper, barrel racer Ashley Schaefer of Yoder, bull rider Kanin Asay of Powell and saddle bronc rider Chet Johnson of Sheridan.

ERA athletes will gather for an autograph session at 2:30 p.m., on the arena grounds prior to the Cowboy

State Elite Rodeo on Saturday. �e pre-event will be open to all Cowboy State Elite Rodeo attendees. On top of that, ERA cowboys and cowgirls will be in town early on Friday night (Sept. 2) for a fan and athlete meet and greet on Grinnell Plaza.

Rodeo action starts at 4 p.m. at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds.

Visit sheridanwyorodeo.com

oreraprorodeo.comto purchase tickets.

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36 37

sheridan

Measuring community benefits by the decade

It’s a calm morning and spring is bursting around us as we make our way along Soldier Ridge Trail just west of Sheridan city limits. �e

meadowlarks perch and sing from nearby sagebrush while some antelope examine us from across the hillside. It all makes for an iconic western backdrop

and the best part is we’re just 10 minutes from the house.

Were it not for generous landowners and visionary community partners, this morning hike along Soldier Ridge could have looked much di�erent. We would have been walking on private

property, through subdivision lots putting a price on some of the best views around while permanently

community land trust

changing the look and feel of the landscape west of the City of Sheridan. We are often asked to explain what the Sheridan Community Land Trust does – what our mission is and how we accomplish the goals outlined in our strategic plan. While our methods and explanations have improved through time, we still �nd that the most e�ective way to convey what we do is to get people out on the land and let our projects speak for themselves. �e term “conservation” �nds meaning when gazing across hundreds of acres that will never see a house built or a road constructed. �e bene�ts of recreation can be heard in the enthusiastic chatter from a family out experiencing nature on the trail. Preserving and interpreting the last physical remnants of a townsite makes history come alive for today’s students who will be tomorrow’s leaders. SCLT’s projects could never have happened without many dedicated people and partners who have continually invested in our work these past ten years. We are thankful for our forward-thinking community, one that possesses enormous social capital. �ese folks understand the qualities that make Sheridan County special and can o�er unique perspectives and skillsets to help our community plan for a bright future. Our Board of Directors have been and continue to be the stewards of our community-driven mission. �eir dedication and volunteer service represents tens of thousands of hours spent vetting projects, re�ning goals, developing strategies and �nding investors who see the value in our collective vision.

As we look ahead to the next decade of challenges and opportunities, we agree with Wallace Stegner who may have captured it best: "One cannot be pessimistic about the West. �is is the native home of hope. When it fully learns that cooperation, not rugged individualism, is the quality that most characterizes and preserves it, then it will have achieved itself and outlived its origins. �en it has a chance to create a society to match its scenery." Sheridan Community Land Trust works to preserve open spaces, working ranches, wildlife habitat, healthy rivers and streams, and historic sites, while expanding non-motorized recreation opportunities to connect people with the places they love. To learn more about our workplease visit: www.sheridanclt.org andsign up to receive updates on our current projects.

Red Grade Trails are a great option for all ages with minimal grade and 2 miles of looping trails accessed from Red Grade Road seven miles from the community of Big Horn.

by colin betzler

A paddler enjoys an afternoon �oating the scenic Tongue River just north of Sheridan at the Bureau of Land Management’s Welch Recreation Area.

Non-motorized recreation continues to climb higher in national surveys as another means to measure a community’s quality of life with wide reaching positive bene�ts.

38 39

BOZEMAN TRAIL GALLERYSPECIALIZING IN 19TH - 20TH CENTURY FINE WESTERN ART & COLLECTIBLES

Andre Kohn: “Favorite Time of Day”, Oil on canvas, 24” x 24”

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William L. King & Hanna K. Ehrmantraut

FEATURING A VARIETY OF NOTABLE WESTERN ARTISTS INCLUDING :

C.M. RussellE.W. Gollings

Frederic RemingtonF.T. Johnson

Edward BoreinJ.H. Sharp

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BOBCAT RANCH BIG HORN, WYOMING

LOST CREEK MOUNTAIN PROPERTY TEN SLEEP, WYOMING

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The ranch is located 5± miles southeast of Big Horn, Wyoming. The 150± acre

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the Bighorn Mountains.

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2,575± acre summer grazing ranch south of Ten Sleep with excellent big

game hunting on the southwest corner of the Bighorn Mountains. Terrain includes

timbered mountain ridges, creek drainages, and open rangeland.

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Located 13 paved miles east of Kaycee, this 512± deeded acre ranch includes

nearly 2 miles on both sieds of the Powder River, 125± irrigated acres, 2

nice homes, a barn and a multi- purpose steel building.

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KIRVEN RANCHSHERIDAN, WYOMING

NORTH RIDGE EQUESTRIAN RANCHBUFFALO, WYOMING

Located 3 mies from Buffalo this 5,586± acre ranch with comfortable operating improvements includes beautiful hay meadows and frontage on Clear Creek together with thousands of acres of

exceptional summer range and elk habitat.

$6,900,000

565± acre equestrian estate nestled under the Bighorns west of Buffalo includes

impressive 4,800 sq. ft. log home, guest house and 150’ X 86’ indoor arena

building that includes 9-stall barn and shop.

$2,490,000

Just minutes from the polo grounds, this 2,237± acre (1,557± deeded) modestly

improved working ranch gives one an opportunity to own a highly productive

operating ranch near Big Horn and Sheridan, Wyoming.

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Lower Diamond Bar Ranch | Cody, Wyoming

• Sales • Service • Parts • Rentals • 2450 Heartland Dr. Sheridan, WY 82801 307.672.8011 www.heartlandkubota.com

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of the west Polo has been apart of this community

since the Scots and English settled Little Goose Canyon.

In a long series of ebb and �ows since the 1890’s the sport has entertained an assortment of equestrians in a

variety of venues. �e clean air, mountain views, unlimited �shing combined with big game and bird hunting has attracted

sportsmen worldwide.

�e grasslands that once fed Indian pony herds gave way to British ranchers that bred hundreds if not thousands of thoroughbreds from Big Horn to Miles City

Montana. Polo began in Sheridan in 1893 as part of a fair and rodeo, o�ciated by a Polynesian Indian Scout with British Army o�cers taking on local cowboys and

businessmen. In an ironic twist, a member of the British army team that �rst brought polo to England from India was also present for the �rst game in Sheridan.

“Moncrei�e Field ”Elsa Spear Byron Collection, THE Wyoming Room - Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library

the Lure

Malcolm Moncrei�e in Big Horn had begun his polo breeding operation by the turn of the century. In 1911 New Yorkers Goelet and Edith Gallatin established the Circle V polo company in in Little Goose Canyon with over one hundred brood mares.

By the 1930’s Oliver Wallop whose father, �e Earl of Portsmouth had raised thousands of horses on the open range took over Moncrei�e’s polo ranch. �e Forbes brothers, Cameron and Waldo from Boston established a ranch eight miles northwest of Big Horn. At his retirement as Governor of the Philippines and ambassador to Japan, Cameron established a polo breeding operation called Neponsit Stud Farm in Beckton Wyoming.

Between Moncrei�e, Forbes and Gallatin serving as summer hosts, polo players from the four corners made Big Horn a destination. �e Hitchcock’s, Milburn’s and polo playing Army o�cers from several countries travelled to Big Horn to play polo at the mouth of Little Goose Canyon.

In the late 1940’s Neponsit Stud Farm team of Schi�er, Long, Gardner and Fink won the National 12 goal Polo Championship in Colorado Springs featuring a dozen teams from Texas, Massachusetts and California.By now the entire face of the Big Horns from the Crow reservation in Montana to Kaycee, Wyoming was dotted with Ivy League graduates that had taken up ranching in the area. From this base a polo community �ourished including merchants, cowboys and equestrians from all aspects of life.

When Skey Johnston and his late son Skeeter brought their experience in polo to create the Flying H polo club, the polo community in Big Horn grew to one of the largest in the United States. Competing in several US Opens in di�erent cities and playing internationally, the Johnstons took the best aspects of the sport and brought it to Big Horn in 2005.

�e Flying H polo club is a unique blend of what polo was intended to be; a game of sportsmen with a passion for horses. �e rotating rosters from week to week make for a competitive venue that stresses teamwork and comradery.

�e o�spring of this is many folds; polo horses have sold at a pace never seen in the area and several families have purchased land here for summer homes. Evans, Beal, Parr, Fitzsimmons, Duke, Von Gontard, Boyle, Scherrer, Wollenman, Wayman, have allinvested in the area as a direct result of polo. Recently Wayne and Pam Garrison renovated the original Moncrei�e Polo Ranch back to its original state giving the area yet another venue for polo.

�e Big Horn Polo club has counted up to 75% of their membership in the past as over�ow from the Flying H. �e Goose Creek Cup bene�tting Downtown Sheridan Association is the biggest event of the year and usually features the highest rated summer polo game in the United States. �e Archie MacCarty memorial exposes young players to a high level of the sport that few are privilege to.

Hundreds of players have made the pilgrimage to Big Horn and a few years back, a roll was taken of one hundred and twenty eight riders playing, making Big Horn the largest out of two hundred clubs in the US. With wives, grooms, and kids, that doubles the town’s population. With Gill and Skey Johnston as our hosts in one of the most pristine locations on the globe, the lure of the west has brought yet another group of equestrians to Big Horn from spots all over the globe. Enjoy your summer.

Sam Morton is the author of Where the Rivers Run North and Land of the Horse: �e Art and Photography of Absaraka

By Sam Morton

�e Flying H Polo Club, Big Horn Wyoming

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Gete Lunarejo sired numerous horses who played the Argentine Open: Guri Silvina Luna (played by Agustin Merlos) and Guri Guarra (played by Sebastian Merlos)

PAREJO: Played by Lucas Criado in the 2007 Argentine Open for Indios Chapaleufu II Polo TeamPlayed by Lucas Criado from 2008 to 2012 in the U.S. Open for Orchard Hill Polo Team

2012 BPP - Bobby Barry Memorial2012 BPP Joe Barry Memorial

2012 Polo Pony Show Grand Champion

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PUCARA

LUNAPAREJOGETE LUNAREJO

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Jan Pamela Polo RanchFor breeding fees & more information contact:

Breeding Manager, Sebastian Mariani at 307-763-1094 or sebastian.mariani@live.com

44 45

THE RULES OF POLO ARE WRITTEN AND ENFORCED TO KEEP BOTH PLAYER AND PONY SAFE ON THE

01Each of the 4 players on a team wears a jersey with the number 1, 2, 3 or 4 on his/her back. Each number corresponds to their assigned position.

Polo is a team sport, with each of the 4 team members playing a speci�c position, yet supporting the entire team in both o�ense and defense.

02�e line of the ball is created once the ball is struck and does not change until it is struck again, sending the ball in a di�erent direction. �e line of the ball is used in many ways, most importantly to act as an imaginary bu�er to avoid collisions when two or more players ride to the ball. �e players must hit the ball to their right side (the “o� side”) and may not cross the line of the ball. Doing so would cause a hazardous situation.

03At the start of a game, the umpire bowls the ball by hand �rmly between the line-up of the two teams.

04Teams change direction in which they are playing after each goal is scored and/or after each chukker. Switching sides allows each team an opportunity to start with the ball being bowled in on their right-hand-side.

05All players must play right-handed.

06All players registered with the U.S. Polo Association are rated from -2 goals (novice) to 10 goals (the best). Handicaps are a scale of skill. A team’s handicap is the total sum of its players’ ratings.

07Penalties and/or injuries may stop play, as there are no time-outs or substitutions allowed, except for tack repair.

08A player may “ride-o� ” his opponent in order to spoil his shot. �e angle of the collision or bump must be slight and pose no serious danger to rider or horse.

09All players on the �eld are able to score goals.

10�ere are degrees of dangerous and unfair play and penalty shots are awarded depending on the severity of the foul and where the foul was committed on the �eld.

11A player can interfere with another’s shot by putting his mallet in the way of the striker’s swing. However, it is a foul to hook too high or reach over the player’s horse.

12Ponies are typically switched out at the end of each chukker.

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FIELD. UMPIRES ENFORCE THESE GUIDELINES BY BLOWING WHISTLES WHEN PENALITIES OCCUR.

46 47

184 North Main, Sheridan, Wyoming ~ tel: 1800-443-8919 or 307-672-2702 or 307-672-2755fax: 307-672-5235

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48 49

ELKS youthrodeo

Elks Youth Rodeo draws in contestantsfrom several states. By Gayle Smith

Nearly 24 years ago, Bob Strauser was at loose ends. His daughter, who had just turned 16, borrowed her mother’s car and headed of f to

compete in numerous rodeos around their home state of Wyoming. Feeling left behind, Strauser had lost his chau�er job, missed the rodeo way of life and

didn’t have anything else to do, so he approached the Sheridan Elks about starting a youth rodeo. �e Elks group gave the go ahead and Strauser launched into organizing

what has become a premier event that draws competitors from several states.

Strauser, who serves as Elks Youth Rodeo chairman, said the Elks Youth Rodeo enables children under 17 years of age to compete for substantial prizes that many other rodeos don’t o�er. In a letter to sponsors, Strauser wrote, “(�e Elks Lodge #520) noticed that children who were involved in rodeo worked and practiced just as hard as the adults and their expenses were as high as adults, but they never got to compete for substantial prizes. Usually, their prizes were just ribbons and belt buckles.”

�e group decided to organize a youth rodeo that was open to all youth, not just ones in speci�c organizations. �ey also found enough sponsors to enable them to o�er prizes substantial enough that they hoped children would spend their summers practicing hard for the event. Other goals were to keep entry fees low so most children could a�ord to compete and, most of all, make the event fun and enjoyable for the youth.

With the help of many sponsors, Strauser was able to organize the �rst Elks Youth Rodeo in 1993. �e �rst rodeo was attended mostly by local children, although they o�ered a year’s use of a bumper pull trailer and $1,000 and $500 scholarships as prizes. By the next year, the event had caught on and attendance nearly doubled. Competitors came from Montana and South Dakota to compete in the event, although most competitors were still local. Since then, the event has continued to grow.

In 2015, Strauser said the rodeo had 26 events and attracted contestants from 12 states. �ey averaged 994 entries each day and gave away cash and awards of $71,896 to the contestants.

�is year’s event will be the 24th annual rodeo. It is scheduled for August 27-28 at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds in Sheridan, Wyoming. “Over the years, we’ve added events and managed to increase the awards, ” Strauser said. “We have also increased the participation.” In 2008, they also added a saddle as an award in the peewee division in hopes of getting more youth to compete in that division. “Suddenly, we had twice as many peewee competitors,” he said. “We feel it is important to keep the peewees interested in rodeo because we don’t want to run out of seniors competing in the event someday. We really cater to the peewees.” Strauser noted that children as young as two and a half competed in the peewee division.

A couple of the highlights of the rodeo that draws in

competitors from all over is the opportunity to win a year lease on a new Ford F250 four-wheel drive XLT crew cab powerstroke diesel pickup, which is awarded to the senior all-around champion. �e use of the pickup is provided by Fremont Motors.

Prime Rate Moros/Jackson Trailer Sales donate a trailer for the youth all-around winner. Strauser said juniors, intermediates and seniors are all eligible to win the trailer, with is determined by the total points each contestant earns. “We’ve had eight-year-olds win the horse trailer and we’ve had seniors win the horse trailer,” Strauser said.

Contestants between seven and seventeen are eligible for the all-around youth award, Strauser said. �e winner will receive the loaded Jackson three horse slant load gooseneck trailer with a walk-in tack compartment. �e reserve champion will receive a $2,000 scholarship and the reserve runner-up will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

To be eligible for the all-around youth award, the contestant must designate at least two and up to �ve events on their entry form to be accumulated for points. �ese points will be awarded on a one rider, one horse basis. Points from both go arounds will be combined. Strauser explained they went to a point basis in a maximum number of 5 events for the all-around to make the contest fair for all age groups. Since the seniors can compete in 10 events, intermediates in 8 events and juniors in 5 events, seniors would have an advantage in the all-around competition if points were accumulated in every event a contestant competes in.

All-around awards will also be presented to each age group from a two-day accumulated total. �e senior all-around winner will receive the pickup. �e reserve senior all-around will receive a $2,000 scholarship and the reserve runner-up will receive a saddle. �e intermediate and junior all-around winners will receive saddles. �e reserve champion winners in those divisions will receive custom made breast collars and headstalls with a Tom Balding custom bit. �e reserve runner-ups will receive belt buckles.

Strauser said day money will also be awarded in all events for each go around for junior, intermediate and senior age groups.

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Peewee events are polebending, barrel racing and goat tail tying. Junior events are pole bending, barrel racing, goat tail tying, flag race and ribbon race.

For participants under age six, every contestant will receive a participation ribbon. �e winner in each event will receive a trophy. A large trophy will be presented to the all-around winner. Strauser said this will be repeated in the second go around. A saddle will be awarded to the two-day all around winner, and a buckle to the runner-up based on total points for both days.

Intermediate events are pole bending, barrel racing, goat tying, �ag race, ribbon race, breakaway roping, daily team roping and steer stopping. Senior events are pole bending, barrel racing, goat tying, �ag race, ribbon race, breakaway roping, daily team roping steer stopping, ribbon roping and tie down calf roping.

All of the events are open to both boys and girls. Teams can be any combination – girl-girl, boy-boy, or boy-girl. Entry fees are $7 per event for peewees and $28 per event for juniors (age 7-9), intermediate (age 10-13) and seniors (14-17). �ere are additional fees for stock charges, stalls, o�ce and fairgrounds use.

Entry forms for this year’s event can be downloaded from the Elks Youth Rodeo website: www.sheridanelks.org/rodeo/index.htm

�ey can also be ordered by mail:Elks Youth RodeoP.O. Box 624Sheridan, Wyoming 82801

Entry forms can be picked up at Fremont Motors in Sheridan, Western Services in Gillette, KLGT_KIX Country in Bu�alo and Prime Rate Motors in Sheridan. Entry forms need to be postmarked by August 19, 2016.

52 53

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54 55

teamuspa

The oral and living history of polo is alive and well in Wyoming! by kris bowman

�e phrase “It takes a village” could not ring more true in what it takes to prepare a player for professional polo. With all of the successes that Team USPA has had over

the past three years in the high goal, many of these players have felt many helping hands to raise them up to the top.

�e polo community surrounding the Flying H Polo Club has embraced these young players and the training they experience can not be replicated . Over the years in Wyoming, since the inception of the Sheridan training program, the young players have received very focused training broken into segments; lectures, clinics, swing analytics, all pro practices and corresponding tape reviews.

A recent interview with our Team USPA players, who brought home the Silver at the FIP World Championships in Chile, said that the most valuable thing they received from the experience was the opportunity to play four man professional polo with peers, which they attributed to taking their skill to the next level. �is is the exact unique opportunity that is o�ered to professionals, young players and Team USPA at Flying H during the summer. All pro practices are hosted twice per week and the professional players not only get to hone their skills but also are able to scout the talent of the next generation of professionals. �is training method is not unique to the United States; the Argentine polo community has developed the skills of generations of their children into professionals with

this technique. We are grateful that Skey and Gillian Johnston and Jimmy Newman have embraced this method and allow us to train in this manner.

Videotape reviews of Team USPA practices allow the mentors to review the games on a regular basis focusing on horse performance, strategy and swing analysis. “�e ability to watch your mistakes on video is priceless in taking a player to the next level,” says Adam Snow, Team USPA mentor. Players in the all pro games are invited to the tape review adding to the learning process. On a Monday night at Box Cross Ranch, you will �nd anywhere from 10-15 young players and seasoned professionals evaluating, critiquing and cajoling each other’s plays. �e atmosphere is lively and always a good time.

While Umpiring is not a sexy and is often the object of contention, learning the rules of the game and the framework that the professional umpires call the game is invaluable to the advancement of a player. It is well known that the top players who master the rules, master the game. Flying H has one of the best umpire instructors that the USPA has to o�er at our disposal,

Carlos Galindo. Carlos is not only an accomplished polo professional and horse trainer, but also the head umpire for the Flying H season. Carlos spends an enormous amount of time working with the Team USPA players sharpening their skills on umpire procedures, ball placement and of course, the rules of the game. “Learning how to use the rules to your advantage as a player is key,” says Galindo. Most games are won or lost by the team who commits the least amount of fouls”.

Another component to the Team USPA and young player-training program is the organized lectures and clinics. �ere is a wealth of knowledge revolving around the training of the young horse in Sheridan on both sides of the fence. �e names are too many to list, however each summer Brendon Whittle spends time exposing the players to some of his �ner training tips and his own personal style of training that has led to so much success in the high goal for Coca-Cola. Gillian Johnston spends a day opening up the world of her world-renowned breeding operation to the young players. Bloodlines, the science of embryos and stallions are foreign to many youth today. Boone Stribbling gives his time to lecture and teach. Troy Lequerica and Shane Rice have an open door policy with the kids. If the Team USPA players take the time to come over, they will take the time to help them with their horse problems. �is type of access to many of the top green-horse trainers such as the Connells, the Goses, Sylvestries , Galindos, Elordis, Dudman, and Beckman all in the same geographic area is unheard of in modern polo.

Beyond green-horse training and clinics there is strategy, horsemanship, and bits and bitting sessions that allow generations of experience and knowledge to be shared with these players. Advice is readily available from Charles Smith, Tommy Wayman, Julio Arellano, Carlucho Arellano, Hector Galindo, Adam Snow, Owen Rinehart, Shane Rice, and so many others who focus on key segments of polo that these young players need as building blocks to get to the next level. �ese components are a short cut gleaned out of lifetimes of experience.

Mentoring professionals who make time, year after year to play and coach in the Team USPA practices include Nick Morrison, Sugar Erskine, Brad Blake, Gonzalo Teves and Gonzalo Del A Fuente. �eir

contribution of time and attention is priceless and the advice given during these games is career changing for these young players.

Each summer Veterinarian Paul Wollenman provides a hands on lecture about essential vet care for a polo professional. He goes above and beyond to educate these players and provide them with economical solutions as well as stream lining the overwhelming amount of information to the most important areas of focus. Last year there were cadaver legs splayed across the front yard of the Big Horn Club House allowing kids to see what is really going on inside of their horse’s legs. �is is not an everyday experience!

Outside of the horse and polo focus there are requirements of giveback to the local polo club and polo school. While training in Sheridan, the players donate their time in umpiring and assisting in the polo school. An element of personal �tness was added several years ago by the Beal family, and now their trainer, Ryan Leeton trains the players in physical �tness. Georgia Boley, a local nutritionist also provides the yearly discussion on an optimum athletes diet. �e professional athlete has so many facets to master to keep pace with others in their sport. It is a very competitive environment.

While not all players make the cut to become professional players, they do take the lessons learned back to improve their clubs across the nation. �e time spent on youth, is time well spent.

Kris Bowman lives in Aiken, South Carolina and is the Executive Director for USPA Polo Development LLC.

56

The oral and living history of polo is alive and well in Wyoming! by kris bowman

�e phrase “It takes a village” could not ring more true in what it takes to prepare a player for professional polo. With all of the successes that Team USPA has had over

the past three years in the high goal, many of these players have felt many helping hands to raise them up to the top.

�e polo community surrounding the Flying H Polo Club has embraced these young players and the training they experience can not be replicated . Over the years in Wyoming, since the inception of the Sheridan training program, the young players have received very focused training broken into segments; lectures, clinics, swing analytics, all pro practices and corresponding tape reviews.

A recent interview with our Team USPA players, who brought home the Silver at the FIP World Championships in Chile, said that the most valuable thing they received from the experience was the opportunity to play four man professional polo with peers, which they attributed to taking their skill to the next level. �is is the exact unique opportunity that is o�ered to professionals, young players and Team USPA at Flying H during the summer. All pro practices are hosted twice per week and the professional players not only get to hone their skills but also are able to scout the talent of the next generation of professionals. �is training method is not unique to the United States; the Argentine polo community has developed the skills of generations of their children into professionals with

this technique. We are grateful that Skey and Gillian Johnston and Jimmy Newman have embraced this method and allow us to train in this manner.

Videotape reviews of Team USPA practices allow the mentors to review the games on a regular basis focusing on horse performance, strategy and swing analysis. “�e ability to watch your mistakes on video is priceless in taking a player to the next level,” says Adam Snow, Team USPA mentor. Players in the all pro games are invited to the tape review adding to the learning process. On a Monday night at Box Cross Ranch, you will �nd anywhere from 10-15 young players and seasoned professionals evaluating, critiquing and cajoling each other’s plays. �e atmosphere is lively and always a good time.

While Umpiring is not a sexy and is often the object of contention, learning the rules of the game and the framework that the professional umpires call the game is invaluable to the advancement of a player. It is well known that the top players who master the rules, master the game. Flying H has one of the best umpire instructors that the USPA has to o�er at our disposal,

Carlos Galindo. Carlos is not only an accomplished polo professional and horse trainer, but also the head umpire for the Flying H season. Carlos spends an enormous amount of time working with the Team USPA players sharpening their skills on umpire procedures, ball placement and of course, the rules of the game. “Learning how to use the rules to your advantage as a player is key,” says Galindo. Most games are won or lost by the team who commits the least amount of fouls”.

Another component to the Team USPA and young player-training program is the organized lectures and clinics. �ere is a wealth of knowledge revolving around the training of the young horse in Sheridan on both sides of the fence. �e names are too many to list, however each summer Brendon Whittle spends time exposing the players to some of his �ner training tips and his own personal style of training that has led to so much success in the high goal for Coca-Cola. Gillian Johnston spends a day opening up the world of her world-renowned breeding operation to the young players. Bloodlines, the science of embryos and stallions are foreign to many youth today. Boone Stribbling gives his time to lecture and teach. Troy Lequerica and Shane Rice have an open door policy with the kids. If the Team USPA players take the time to come over, they will take the time to help them with their horse problems. �is type of access to many of the top green-horse trainers such as the Connells, the Goses, Sylvestries , Galindos, Elordis, Dudman, and Beckman all in the same geographic area is unheard of in modern polo.

Beyond green-horse training and clinics there is strategy, horsemanship, and bits and bitting sessions that allow generations of experience and knowledge to be shared with these players. Advice is readily available from Charles Smith, Tommy Wayman, Julio Arellano, Carlucho Arellano, Hector Galindo, Adam Snow, Owen Rinehart, Shane Rice, and so many others who focus on key segments of polo that these young players need as building blocks to get to the next level. �ese components are a short cut gleaned out of lifetimes of experience.

Mentoring professionals who make time, year after year to play and coach in the Team USPA practices include Nick Morrison, Sugar Erskine, Brad Blake, Gonzalo Teves and Gonzalo Del A Fuente. �eir

contribution of time and attention is priceless and the advice given during these games is career changing for these young players.

Each summer Veterinarian Paul Wollenman provides a hands on lecture about essential vet care for a polo professional. He goes above and beyond to educate these players and provide them with economical solutions as well as stream lining the overwhelming amount of information to the most important areas of focus. Last year there were cadaver legs splayed across the front yard of the Big Horn Club House allowing kids to see what is really going on inside of their horse’s legs. �is is not an everyday experience!

Outside of the horse and polo focus there are requirements of giveback to the local polo club and polo school. While training in Sheridan, the players donate their time in umpiring and assisting in the polo school. An element of personal �tness was added several years ago by the Beal family, and now their trainer, Ryan Leeton trains the players in physical �tness. Georgia Boley, a local nutritionist also provides the yearly discussion on an optimum athletes diet. �e professional athlete has so many facets to master to keep pace with others in their sport. It is a very competitive environment.

While not all players make the cut to become professional players, they do take the lessons learned back to improve their clubs across the nation. �e time spent on youth, is time well spent.

Kris Bowman lives in Aiken, South Carolina and is the Executive Director for USPA Polo Development LLC.

01�e Number 1 is the most o�ensive position. �is player covers/marks the opposing teams’ number 4.

02�e Number 2 is the most di�cult position to play. �is player plays an important o�ensive role, by running through and scoring or feeding the ball to his number 1. Defensively, this player covers the opposing teams’ number 3.

03�e Number 3 is the tactical leader on the �eld and must be able to hit long shots to his numbers 1 and 2, as well as maintain a solid defensive position. (Usually the highest rated player on the team.)

04�e Number 4 is the primary defensive player and can move anywhere on the �eld. As a good defender, this player allows the number 3 to commit to more o�ensive plays knowing he/she will be covered from behind if the ball is lost.

understanding

on the �eld

NUMBERS &POSITIONS

Each of the 4 players on a team wears a jersey with the number 1, 2, 3 or 4 on his or her back. Each number corresponds to their assigned position.

57

58 59

A

by flash parkerSheridan travel and tourism

breathtaking vision of the Mountain West, Sheridan is Wyoming’s emerald city. Historic downtown doors swing wide open to extend a warm hospitality as legendary as the icons and outlaws that once roamed these parts, while fabled history and dramatic mountain vistas meet western graces and the serenity of wide open spaces. �is is a place where cowboys convene over craft beer and co�ee, where pronghorn spring over canvasses colored with Indian Paintbrush, and where the majestic peaks of northern Wyoming stand forever proud. Fabled cowboys once kicked up their boots at the Sheridan Inn, while modern mavericks revel in Old West charm at Sheridan’s bistros, cafes and brewpubs. And while Sheridan boasts outdoor attractions and western allure to spare, some of the region’s grandest secrets are often kept close to the vest. �at’s what I love most about Wyoming’s cultural capital – on Monday I can hold court with rabble-rousers at the Black Tooth Brewing Co., where head brewer Travis Zeilstra slings perfect pints of Bomber Mountain Amber; on Tuesday I can slip back in time with a visit to the historic Sheridan Inn or the Mill Inn, and rub shoulders with legends of the Old West; on Wednesday I can make the short drive up Highway 14, and sneak in an hour of ATVing before I have to be at work; on Friday I can lose myself in Neltje Doubleday Kings’ abstract masterpieces at the Sagebrush Community Art Center; and come Saturday I can conquer epic peaks in the high country, while hidden lakes, vast wilderness, and uncharted territory spread out before me.

sheridan, WY

naturallywest

It is that mountainous, rugged terrain I turn to when I need an escape from the everyday. �e Bighorns have become a part of my character, a line in my own personal dictionary de�nition. �e mountains are only ever as far away from the city as I need them to be; my escape can take me 30 miles into the Cloud Peak Wilderness on a 3-day backpacking tour, or ten minutes from the nearest trailhead, when I need a quick breath of mountain air and a sunset vista after a long

60 61

day of work. �e gateway to this experience is the Red Grade Road, a dirt track that winds a serpentine path up the mountain, clinging precariously in places to cli�s while o�ering incredible views of the rolling foothills below. I’ve climbed the Red Grade hundreds of times since my �rst visit to Sheridan �ve years ago, often en route to my wife’s family cabin, sometimes so I can zip down the mountain on my bicycle, others so I can track nigh-impossible lines on my sled. One of my favorite destinations is the Co�een Park Trailhead, a grand entrance to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. My most memorable Wyoming adventure began on a perfect summer day, under a canopy of green at Co�een; we met my wife’s folks and her sister and brother-in-law for a pack trip for the ages.

My wife’s family has been exploring the Bighorn Mountains for generations; they have one of the oldest cabins in the area, which they’ve used as a base camp for pack trips, adventures on horseback, winter excursions, and more. Ahead of our 4-day, 3-night odyssey, I must have stu�ed and re-stu�ed my backpack a dozen times, ensuring each sack of trail mix, every camera battery, and all the biodegradable toilet paper I could scrounge up were in their proper place. We were set to trace one of my wife’s grandmother’s favorite routes from Co�een Park; following the East Fork of Big Goose Creek, we would run alongside Lake Geneva, climb to moutain-backed Crystal Lake, skirt the high-country plateau at picturesque Robin Lake, then chart our own adventure at Paint Rock Creek. And from the moment we crossed the threshold of the Bighorn National Forest into the Cloud Peak Wilderness, I knew that we were exploring a special place. �ere’s an aura about the Bighorns that can be di�cult to express in words: there’s a quiet that’s not quite quiet, with elk bugling in the distance, streams babbling below the trail, and trout plip-plopping in the alpine lakes. And there’s a sense of grandeur in the vastness; during our four days in the wild, at the height of Wyoming’s travel season, we came across one Boy Scouts troupe, a runner training for a mountain marathon, and a hardy wildlife photographer bent on capturing moose in their natural habitat. If a place this perfect were anywhere else in the country, I have no doubt we would have been lined up single-�le just for the opportunity to glimpse at the same experience.

We picnicked in open �elds while white-tailed deer dashed into the woods around us, told stories under stars that sparkled o� of Crystal Lake, and dipped our toes onto the chilly waters of streams without names. We had a June snowball �ght while wild�owers blossomed on hillsides, and made remarkable memories by saying yes to every fork in the road we encountered.

On that �rst Bighorn adventure I learned that Sheridan’s outdoor opportunities are near limitless, whether you’re roaming the open range on horseback, backpacking unchartered territory or �shing pristine mountain lakes. Since that day I’ve strapped on my skis in some of the country’s most remote backcountry, climbed to unfathomable heights in the Cloud Peak Wilderness and nearby Tongue River Canyon, and biked miles of country trails with the mountains at my side. I’ve learned that a great escape is never more than a good idea away, that Sheridan is the trailhead to Wyoming’s boldest outdoor experiences, and that this tiny mountain town is the West the world dreams of.

Many people have asked me since I took over as Executive Director of Sheridan Travel & Tourism last July why I would turn away from a thrilling career as a journalist and photographer to “stay in one place,” but the truth is, I haven’t. �e only di�erent between my job then and my job now is that I’m telling one story – Sheridan’s story – instead of someone else’s story every week. I’ve loved every moment of this job, and I take my responsibilities to heart. I often �nd myself thinking back to that �rst Bighorn experience whenever I’m asked why it is that I care about Sheridan the way I do.

2015 was a banner year for travel and tourism in Sheridan; we generated more lodging tax revenue than ever before, and we used those funds to market, promote, and sell Sheridan as a destination. We also used lodging tax funds to promote the products, businesses, and opportunities our community has created. Sheridan’s city-wide, 4% lodging tax is paid by visitors staying in Sheridan hotels, motels, B&Bs, cottages, and RV parks. It is not paid by any of our local residents. Lodging tax dollars are used by Sheridan Travel & Tourism to promote our Wyoming treasure as a destination for visitors; as such, the lodging tax is a driver for economic development, and we’re seeing incredible returns on our investment.

�e eye test suggests that our Historic Downtown businesses are busier than ever; take a walk down Main Street any day of the week, even on a blustery day in January, and you’ll see folks shopping, dining out, and embracing our arts and culture. Our events did big business last year – the WYO Rodeo was the smash hit it always is, Big Horn Country USA drew folk from across the nation, the Wyoming �eater Festival put Sheridan in the national arts spotlight, the 3rd �ursday Street Festivals gave us a reason to celebrate all summer long, Suds n’ Spurs became a regional craft event, and Don King Days captured the cowboy in all our souls for a weekend in September. I could go on and on, but the Press won’t give me the �rst four pages of the paper this month. Our hotels are �lling up quickly, and we’re driving more money into our local economy at a time when every dime counts.

Because Sheridan is a recreation and leisure destination of the �nest caliber, and because we have a tremendous creative economy, a proud ranching history, a beautiful downtown, and the Bighorn Mountains on our doorstep, we are better prepared to weather the coming economic storm than many other communities in Wyoming. While energy might be down, tourism is up, and climbing; tourism is now

Wyoming’s second largest industry, and generates roughly $98.5 million dollars a year (according to the 2014 Dean Runyan Associates Wyoming Travel Impacts Study) for Sheridan alone. �at number includes $16.8 million dollars on accommodations, $23.7 million on food service, $14.2 million on arts, recreation and entertainment, and $16.9 million on retail sales – all told, travel and tourism supports nearly 1,000 jobs in our community.

We compete in a crowded market place for tourism dollars, but we’ve positioned Sheridan well, we market successfully and extensively, and we o�er an array of great products, places, and people. I believe that we’re in poised for a great year in 2016 (and beyond), and I know that together we can do incredible things for the community we love, live, and work in.

Shawn “Flash” Parker, Executive Director of Sheridan Travel & Tourism. For more information, please visit www.sheridanwyoming.org

62 63

CHUKKERTerm used for the period of play in polo - seven to seven and a half minutes long. �ere are six chukkers in a polo match.

BOWL INWhen the umpire starts or resumes the match by rolling the ball in, down the center of a line-up of players. A bowl in is also known as a throw in.

APPEAL�e Number 3 is the tactical leader on the �eld and must be able to hit long shots to his numbers 1 and 2, as well as maintain a solid defensive position. (Usually the highest rated player on the team.)

BUMPWhen a player directs his pony into the side of an opponent’s pony.

FOULWhistle is usually blown for infractions of rules governing play on the �eld. It is usually blown for hazardous riding or improper use of the mallet. �e umpire can award anything from a free goal to a free hit from a determined distance when a foul is called.

THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME BASIC DEFINITIONS TO HELP SPECTATORS UNDERSTAND AND ENJOY WATCHING A POLO GAME

GOAL or SCOREAnytime the ball crosses the line between the goal posts, regardless of who (including ponies) knocks it through.

FLAGMAN An uno�cial goal observer appointed to signal, by waving a �ag over the head if a goal is scored or under the waist if no goal is scored.

THIRTY-SECOND BELLBell or horn heard thirty seconds before the end of the chukker. �e end of the chukker is signaled by another bell or horn known as the �nal whistle.

OVERTIME Overtime is sometimes played when a draw is reached at the end of the sixth chukker. A seventh chukker will resume until the �nal goal is scored.

HANDICAPEach player has earned himself a handicap ranging from -2 to 10. �e higher the handicap, the better the player.

SPARE PONYPlayers have the option of using a spare or substitute horse during a chukker. �is is done when their playing pony fatigues or is injured.

understanding

terms and de�nitions

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