ST. MORITZPOLO MAGAZINE

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Haute Joaillerie collection St. Moritz - Palace-Galerie - 081 833 18 55

|C O N T E N T S 1

2 URS E. SCHWARZENBACH

Hand made

4 EXCERPTS FROM THE ENGADINE

A combination of nature, tradition and sports

16 NACHOS FIGUERAS

Polo always comes first

24 THE HOOF IS THE HORSE

The important work of the blacksmith

32 THE ST. MORITZ POLO WORLD CUP ON SNOW 2012

A top-class event on the frozen Lake St. Moritz

42 HARMONY BETWEEN BODY AND MIND

Handling horses calls for ethical competence

54 A QUALITY ORGANISATION AND A UNIQUE CLUB

Guards Polo Club is run on a solid business footing

60 AN EXTENSION OF THE PLAYER’S ARM

Polo Splice provides players with equipment of excellence

72 EVERY STITCH A DECLARATION OF LOVE

Helen von Albertini’s lovingly created gloves

82 THE SECOND STAGE

The Khan Polo club is established in Mongolia

88 A JOURNEY OF DETERMINATION

Nick Johnson wants to be a professional polo player

102 THE GOLDEN BOOK

All the winners of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

|E D I T O R I A L 3

HAND MADE

In this, the 28th year of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, I am particularly proud of what we have

achieved during the time that I and my organisation have been producing what is the oldest and is repu-

ted to be the finest Snow Polo tournament in the world. However, we would be foolish to think that we

cannot continue improving our tournament, striving to achieve an even greater quality of service and en-

tertainment. Equally, we fully recognise that none of this would be possible without all our partners, both

the local companies and of course my team at St. Moritz Polo AG.

It goes without saying that one of the most important elements of this unique event are the world-class

sponsors, partners and patrons of the teams that support us. We are truly delighted that they have shown

us their commitment to be involved in what we all see as a unique, prestigious and compelling event.

Some of the highest-ranking polo players in the world will be competing for four teams, whose sponsors

represent the values of quality, service and precision: Cartier, Ralph Lauren, BMW and Bank Sal. Oppenheim

jr. & Cie (Switzerland) Ltd., a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank. As some of the finest and most renowned brands

in the world, they are all greatly committed to our captivating tournament.

Whilst the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow is certainly a product that is locally produced in Swit-

zerland, it is supported by an undeniably international array of world-class sponsors and partners. These

partners demand products and services that should impress, in terms of both their quality and their preci-

sion. “Swiss Made” has become a world-renowned symbol of these very qualities. As a Swiss company,

St. Moritz Polo AG guarantees these values in international polo. The corporation embodies extensive

know-how, innovation, a global network and, in particular, traditional, often local craftsmanship.

Each year, the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow is, in the truest sense of the word, ”Handmade”,

crafted with great care. It will be held for the 28th time, from 26th to 29th January 2012. In some ways, how-

ever, this is a new beginning, as we return to our traditional format of sponsor and patron led teams. This

year I also want to reiterate my continued personal and lasting belief in and commitment to the event. As

Chairman and now CEO of St. Moritz Polo AG I have become even more involved in the overall manage-

ment of this wonderful sporting occasion.

When I think of the label “Hand made”, I also think of the numerous trades in the Engadine that are

essential elements of the event’s success, of the highly skilled artisans that create the polo players’ equip-

ment, and of the ponies, which require specialised horseshoes and intensive veterinary care for the light-

ning – quick game on snow and ice. This magazine is dedicated to this high-quality and precise undertaking.

I am hugely proud that St. Moritz Polo AG works so closely with its sponsors, players and partners,

upholding the traditions, values and ethics of the event, the sport and their associated trades. Together, we

aspire to create another top-class event: the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. I and my team very

much welcome you all once again to the frozen Lake St. Moritz, and sincerely thank you for having faith

in our ability to put on what I hope and expect will be a thoroughly successful and exciting spectacle.

Let the games begin!

Urs E. Schwarzenbach

Chairman of the Board of Directors of St.Moritz Polo AG

|4

IN THE ENGADINE, a valley in the far east of Swit-

zerland, many traditions and wonderful customs have been

both developed and preserved. Examples include the Alpine

festivals with milk fairs, mountain sermons and the Alpine

descents. Or the Schlitteda Engiadinaisa (sleigh procession),

the social highlight of the Engadine winter, which takes

place in January or February. And who can forget hunting,

with 5,400 hunters ensuring that game in the Engadine re-

mains at sustainable levels? The Hubertus festival marks the

end of this special time, when the patron saint of hunters

is thanked for a successful hunting season. It is held in mid-

October in the St. Karl Catholic Church in St. Moritz Bad.

*However, the Engadine public holiday on 1st March is pro-

bably the most famous of their celebrations: on this day

loud cowbells and the sound of cracking whips can be

heard throughout the villages – it is Chalandamarz. And on

this day, the boys of the Engadine take the lead: walking

through the village with their bells, the older boys head the

procession, with the younger ones following. This delight-

ful and important tradition has survived. The custom origi-

nates from a time when the former province of Rhaetia was

part of the Roman Empire, and it is said that at the begin-

ning of the year, marking the start of spring, this celebration

served to scare the evil spirits away. The boys taking part in

the procession are traditionally dressed: on their heads they

wear red pointed hats with black tufts, and their blue shirts

are decorated with red scarfs, knotted at the throat.

This famous Engadine custom gained worldwide recog-

nition through the book Schellen-Ursli (A Bell for Ursli) writ-

ten by the author Selina Chönz and illustrated by Alois

Carigiet:

“High up in the mountains, far, far from here,

lives a little boy like you,

in this tiny village, poor and small,

his home all alone below.”

The book starts with these verses. It is about Ursli, a

small boy from the Engadine, who wants to take part in the

Excerpts from the Engadine

The region of St. Moritz

combines breathtaking

nature and tradition with

modern lifestyleand high-class winter sports.

|F R O M C O W B E L L S T O P O L O 5

The boys with their bells take the lead: not to scare the evil spirits away, but toimpress the audience at theSt. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow.

| F R O M C O W B E L L S T O P O L O6

spring festival’s procession, carrying a big cowbell. After a

night-time adventure, during which he goes to look for a

big cowbell in a snowed-in summer hut high up in the

mountains, Ursli is allowed to lead the Chalandamarz pro-

cession with the enormous bell he returns with.

*A beautiful story, which is set in an even more beautiful val-

ley – the Engadine. The mountain valley in the canton of

Grisons was named after the Romansh name for the river

Inn (En), which flows through it. The Inn issues from its sour-

ces at the top of the Maloja pass. It runs north-east out of

the Engadine, through Austria and Germany, until it joins

the Danube in Passau. From a geographical perspective, the

Engadine, with its famed lake district in the Upper Enga-

dine and its pine and fir trees, part of the famous Swiss pine

and larch forests, can be enjoyed the whole year round.

Stags and deer in the forests, chamois and ibex in the

mountains, marmots on the alpine pastures: a rich fauna

that has shaped the valley for centuries lies hardly distur-

bed. Today, hikers and skiers form part of the picture, in the

villages as well as in the natural environment. This also has

its benefits: due to tourism, the once rather poor, remote re-

gion has attained worldwide acclaim. This development

began in the middle of the 19th Century, on the initiative of

Johannes Badrutt, a native of Samedan, who in 1856 ope-

ned the first hotel in St. Moritz, the Engadiner Kulm. More

than 150 years ago Badrutt provided the impetus for what

has become a huge global success story, that of Switzer-

land’s alpine tourism.

*Tourists will quickly notice that agriculture is an integral part

of the Engadine landscape. Its origins lie in prehistoric times.

Today, it shapes a substantial part of the surrounding coun-

tryside. On sunny days – and sometimes, apparently, when

it is raining – you can see farmers out working in their fields.

They mow, make hay and plough their fields and meadows,

with modern machines where possible, or traditionally with

scythes when the slopes are too steep. The Engadine milk

and alpine industry has a rich and fascinating history. “Agri-

culture is the most important of all the world’s trades,”

wrote Martin P. Schmid in 1774, from Ftan in the Lower En-

gadine, “In our country, it is also excellently cultivated and

of great significance.” Since the Middle Ages, a characteri-

stic terraced landscape has been formed by the farmers’

work. From the floor of the valley right up to the alpine pa-

stures, the entire terrain was used for agriculture. The En-

gadine’s settlements are located at elevations ranging from

1,035 metres (Martina) to 1,815 metres (Maloja). In earlier

times, mainly grain was cultivated in the lower parts, whilst

the higher areas served as pastures. Agricultural products

have been exported from the Engadine to Northern Italy

since the Middle Ages.

*Whilst the main agricultural labour is and was usually car-

ried out by the men, the women have most certainly con-

tributed in other areas, the perfect example being

hand-weaving, whose earliest origins can be traced back to

an imprint of a sleeve in the plaster of Müstair cathedral, in

the far south-eastern corner of the Engadine, dated around

830 AD. It is believed, however, that the people from the

Middle Bronze Age, who had settled in the valley around

1500 BC, had already worn woven fabrics. In times gone by,

nearly every farmhouse in the hidden Engadine jewel that

is the Münster valley had a weaving loom. Each family had

its own flax fields, and produced their own fabrics from the

stem of the flax plant. To ensure that the tradition would

not be entirely lost, Tessanda was founded in 1928. The

company instructed women in the craft of weaving. Today,

at Tessanda, fabrics of different sizes are woven on 25 old

weaving looms above the shop. Hand-weaving perfectly

complements factory production. It preserves the historical

In times gone by, nearly everyfarmhouse had a weavingloom and today, new designsand products are offered.

| F R O M C O W B E L L S T O P O L O8

techniques that were handed down from generation to

generation and creates an impressive variety of textile craft.

At Tessanda, many things have developed from being for-

mer standards to now representing contemporary indivi-

dualism. In addition to traditional originals, new designs and

products are also offered in order to meet modern require-

ments and trends.

*It is only a short step from weaving fabrics to traditional cos-

tumes. The Engadine costumes made from scarlet-coloured

wool were influenced by the rococo style. It was probably

introduced to the Engadine by noblewomen and returning

military officers. The people came to like the style and imi-

tated it, creating the clothes from local home-made wool-

len fabrics. The red costumes were probably worn daily

before 1800. Today, however, they are cherished at costume

associations and in folklore groups. Depending on the

wealth of the wearer, the costumes were decorated accor-

dingly. Nowadays, costume associations combine tradition

with modern needs, which are often complementary.

Nearly 20 years ago, the Grisons Sunday costumes were in-

troduced. They serve many occasions and are not as ex-

pensive as the traditional costumes, but are attractive

nonetheless. The sewing of the costumes and the artistic

embroidery are done professionally, but can also be done by

the wearers themselves. There is still a lot of interest in this

art. At official events and folk music festivals, in particular,

the costumes make for a wonderfully colourful picture.

*Situated at the bottom of the Engadine lake district, St. Mo-

ritz is one of today’s most famous winter sport and spa re-

sorts in the Alps. The town owes its reputation to its mineral

springs, which have been renowned for nearly 3,500 years.

In the Middle Ages, the area already attracted visitors who

came to bathe in the springs during summer. In 1519, Pope

Leo X promised every devout St. Moritz bather full absolu-

tion. In the first half of the 20th Century, St. Moritz also be-

came known for the Olympic Winter Games that were held

there twice, in 1928 and 1948. The resort is home to the

world-famous Cresta Run, an iced toboggan run that winds

its way down from above the Catholic Church to the

neighbouring village of Celerina. Numerous ski , bobsleigh

and skeleton world championships as well as other major

winter sport events have added to St. Moritz’s celebrity and

prestige around the world.

*The St. Moritz website describes the area’s appeal as fol-

lows: “The delightful harmony of the Upper Engadine land-

scape with around 90 mountain lakes, the famous

‘champagne climate’ and the strong Engadine sun are the

assets that really create the St. Moritz appeal. The spa cen-

tre, concentration of cultural offers, Switzerland’s only na-

tional park and – last but not least – the sophisticated

clientele, 70 per cent from abroad, also play their part. They

have a strong bearing on the cosmopolitan ambience for

which St. Moritz is so famous throughout the world. World-

wide, the name St. Moritz is synonymous with chic, ele-

gance and class. It is the embodiment of style, tradition and

quality. As confirmed by its success: St. Moritz keeps the

promises made by its name.”

*Traffic links have also contributed to the Engadine’s huge

attraction: it is now exceptionally well connected to the rest

of the world. Despite the expansion of the road network

and the Rhaetian Railway, no year-round access through pu-

blic transport could be guaranteed until quite recently,

when the Vereina tunnel to Prättigau opened in 1999.

Today, St. Moritz can also be reached by air. Samedan air-

port is Europe’s highest airport. It was opened over 70 years

ago – and plans for its expansion have now been drawn up,

so that the airport can also serve the Engadine region as an

At official events and folkmusic festivals the Engadinecostumes make for a wonder-fully colourful picture.

|F R O M C O W B E L L S T O P O L O 9

economic driving force into the future. The airport, which is

open during daylight hours, is in operation throughout the

year, and even has a customs clearance facility for interna-

tional flights. Its one downside: the runway is sometimes at

the mercy of the elements, as snow often has to be cleared.

The fact that the runway is long enough to land large air-

craft such as the Boeing 737 and Super Constellation has

astonished many.

*Engadine houses, sgraffiti adorning the walls, furniture

made from local pine: three attributes that account for an

important and renowned part of the Engadine’s charm. Walk-

ing through the Engadine, the villages’ typical characteri-

stics quickly become apparent. Great stone walls to the hou-

ses in which small, funnel-shaped windows are set. Below

the wide saddle roofs, the Engadine farmers once stored

their entire worldly goods – the living area, cattle and hay

barns, cellar, storehouse and a roofed forecourt. The en-

trance is through an artistically decorated main gate into

the sulèr, a hall leading into the living area. It serves as a

storeroom and a workspace and even as a dining room in

summer. Walking up the steps, you enter the stüva – a sit-

ting room that is usually clad in pine, the impressive show-

piece of every Engadin house.

*The houses are built close together, sometimes supporting

each other, as if they didn’t have the strength to stand

alone, and sometimes leaving a small space for narrow al-

leyways. The sgraffiti are striking features, adorning many of

the houses’ walls. Scenes from daily life, animals, but above

all geometric patterns abound. Circles that are gracefully

decorated with flowers, or walls covered in triangles. But

also crests and garlands, horse-drawn carriages or simply

quotes proclaiming old Engadin wisdom in Romansh. They

are more than mere folk art or decoration. These architec-

tural decorations demonstrate how wall paintings and con-

struction influence each other. The architecture can be

complemented by the decorations, or the building’s surface

finish can be replaced by the subject. Its creation is a

great art: first a chalky plaster is fashioned, coloured and

smeared to the facade. Then, wet on wet, three to four

coats of chalk are applied, which can also be pigmented.

On the final coat, objects and lines are etched using knives,

nails, pins or scrapers. The underlying colours become visi-

ble as lines or objects, and in this way each house dons its

unique appearance, which takes on different forms accor-

ding to the ever-changing magical Engadine glow.

*Whilst the facades of the Engadine houses enchant with

their artistic sgraffiti, rustic pine furniture influences the ar-

chetypal character of the houses’ interiors, creating a won-

derfully warm and cosy atmosphere. It’s no wonder that

more and more guests equip their own homes with furni-

ture produced in the Engadine. Several regional manufac-

turers specialise in this age-old trade. For generations, they

have been producing unique pieces from this fragrant

wood, to which even healing qualities are attributed. Its ra-

diance is said to soothe the pulse – that sleeping in a pine

bed can ensure a quiet and relaxed night’s sleep. However,

Funnel-shaped windows and sgraffiti adoring the wallare attributes for the Engadi-ne's charm.

not only beds are made from pine. Everything from cup-

boards to entire kitchen units can be produced.

*“Bun di” or “allegra” are two expressions that every

newcomer to the Engadine will hear up and down the val-

ley and is quick to adopt: with “good day” and “hello”

(these sunny words stem from the verb “allegrar”, mean-

ing to cheer someone up), guests are greeted, and they

quickly learn their first words in Switzerland’s fourth natio-

nal language. Romansh was granted this official status just

70 years ago. And only in 2001 has the recently formed

Grisons Romansh been adopted as the canton’s official

language. Even though only just over 35,000 people con-

sider Romansh to be their native language (according to the

Swiss census in 2000), its five dialects, Sursilvan, Sutsilvan,

Surmiran, Putér and Vallader, are still spoken with great

pride. In the Upper Engadine, the Putér dialect is spoken,

and visitors quickly become accustomed to the melodious

language. The Romansh language – linguists call it the Gri-

sons Romansh – is classified, together with some languages

from Northern Italy, as a subgroup of the Rhaeto-Romance

languages. Due to the growth of tourism, however, Ger-

man and Italian are most regularly used, although one can

still hear Romansh being spoken in some of the most sur-

prising of places, even in the very centre of St. Moritz.

*The region also boasts an array of native artists, of which

Alois Carigiet, the painter, illustrator, lithographer and au-

thor of children’s books, as well as beeing the older brother

of the actor Zarli Carigiet, has already been mentioned. Al-

berto Giacometti’s work has also gained considerable in-

ternational recognition. He was born in the municipality of

Stampa, high in the Upper Engadine, at the beginning of

| F R O M C O W B E L L S T O P O L O10

Not only polo ponies spendthe winter in the Engadine.

the 20th Century. As a sculptor, painter and modernist gra-

phic artist, he spent a large part of his life in Paris. Howe-

ver, he regularly visited his native valley of Bergell to see his

family and to gain inspiration. Giovanni Segantini is another

famous Engadine artist. He was born in 1858 in Arco, north

of Lake Garda, which belonged to Austria at the time.

Shortly before he turned 30, he moved to the canton of

Grisons and subsequently settled in Maloja in the Engadine.

He was a painter of realistic symbolism and a master of

high-mountain scenery. He developed his own style of the

pointillist painting technique, with which he was able to il-

lustrate the unbroken luminosity of the high mountains, en-

hancing the naturalistic effect portrayed by his paintings.

*After some cultural, linguistic, artistic and other related

themes, we now return to Lake St. Moritz, the venue of the

28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. This event is the

world’s only high-goal tournament held on a lake. Frozen

Lake St. Moritz (or “Lej da San Murezzan” in Romansh) is

the most north-eastern and smallest of the Engadine’s lake

district. In February, horse races are held on the lake, whilst

the world-renowned polo tournament takes place as early

as January. It owes a great deal of its success to the charms

of its high-alpine environment: there is a truly unique at-

mosphere on the frozen lake when the four teams compete

for the coveted Cartier Trophy on the snow and ice. Even

though this exceptional atmosphere plays a vital role in the

success of the event, the central focus of the four-day tour-

nament is on polo. The organisers aspire to offer polo

games of the highest level, to delight polo aficionados, but

also to open up and familiarise a broader audience with the

sport. Hardly anyone who has witnessed a game of polo

can fail to be drawn to the fascination of the lightning

speed and superb skill and agility of the protagonists in this

incredibly captivating and most powerful of equestrian

sports. HANSJÖRG RUH

| 11F R O M C O W B E L L S T O P O L O

“Show me your horse and I will show you what you are.”

TRADITIONAL BRITISH SAYING

Siesuchen

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UBV Lanz AG, Alte Landstr. 128,CH-8702 Zollikon, www.ubv.chTel. 044 396 85 85

| 15

For the St. Moritz Polo WorldCup on Snow a suitable inter-pretation of ancient craft isdeveloped.

As a leading manufacturer in the field of

three-dimensional communications, Aroma,

with its 52 employees and six apprentices,

creates individual productions for trade-fair

presentations, event architecture and inte-

rior design – from the conceptualisation and

design to the planning and implementation.

For events such as the St. Moritz Polo

World Cup on Snow, intensive planning and

close cooperation with all those involved is

essential. What used to be implemented by

several different providers can now be deliv-

ered by a single source. This development

is reflected in the new basic professional

education of the 3-D polydesigner. Here, a

new and exceptionally varied profession has

evolved: from conceptualisation, realisation

and logistics right up to styling – all aspects

are involved. Today’s 3-D polydesigners

plan, organise and manage event spaces of

brands and products at important customer

contact points.

The hospitality area of the St. Moritz

Polo World Cup on Snow, which Aroma is

now managing for the third year running,

is an example of one such individual pro-

duction. For 2012, the creative minds take

inspiration from traditional Swiss crafts,

combining them in a new way. Whilst local

roots are reflected in the use of sgraffito

textures, traditions are represented through

silhouettes, for once without cows. Al-

though an ancient craft, for an event as ex-

clusive as the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on

Snow, the event architects had to develop a

suitable interpretation of this artistic form.

For this, they relied on the experience and

equipment of their own production division:

patterns are milled onto wood with CNC

machines, test prints are created on materi-

als and full-scale models are produced.

What follows is the implementation

phase. All these artefacts, together with the

required infrastructure, are transported to

St. Moritz by Aroma logistics specialists,

project and production managers and their

teams, as well as stylists and florists, and set

up on the lake over several days at tempe-

ratures of around minus 20 degrees Celsius.

Thus, piece by piece, a whole site is creat-

ed, into which the guests are welcomed – a

space that lets them experience the event

through another dimension.

Creating the unique experience of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on SnowAROMA’S CREATIVE MINDS TAKE INSPIRATION FROM TRADITIONAL SWISS CRAFTS

| N A C H O F I G U E R A S16

| 17

For Argentine player Nacho Figueraspolo always comes firstMODELLING FOR RALPH LAUREN IS THE PERFECT WAY TO PROMOTE THE SPORT

Nacho Figueras, you are very well known

in polo. How did you end up in the sport

and where did you grow up in Argentina?

Having been brought up around horses

on a farm in Veinticinco de Mayo, I loved

the game since I was a child. In fact I star t-

ed playing polo when I was nine years old,

thanks to my father's passion and dedi-

cation for it. I was very lucky to have the

Monteverde family to learn from at the be-

gin ning and Gonzalo Pieres as a mentor. My

professional career began at age 17.

Did you always want to be a professional

polo player?

Yes. When I was 14, I decided that I

really wanted to pursue polo, so I asked my

parents if it would be okay for me to go and

live on a farm. My mother said: “If you pro-

mise your school duties will be completed,

then I’m fine with that.” Starting young

really helped, because it is very hard to re-

present any sport at a high level when you

don’t have a very strong background.

What do you feel are your greatest

strengths as a polo player?

I am a fighter, and I always try to have

the best horses possible. In general, good

riding skills are very important. Riding is

what eventually helps you and takes the

edge off. When I’m playing polo, I’m not

really thinking about the action of riding on

the horse. People often think that, oh, I’ve

learned to ride, now I can go and play polo.

No. Finding a horse that you really love

makes things a lot easier.

So horses are a critical component for?

Yes. I’m most passionate about the po-

nies. I love polo; it is my life. But the horses

are my great passion.

You are not only a polo player but also a

model. Tell us about your first introduction

to modelling. How did that come about?

In 1999 I started playing Bridgehamp-

ton polo in New York. There I got to know

Bruce Weber. He shot the Ralph Lauren

campaigns. At the time, they were using

Penélope Cruz for the women’s ads, and

Ralph Lauren thought that it would be a

good idea to use an Argentine polo player

in a campaign for the men’s ads. I wound

up doing my first shoot with Bruce Weber

for Ralph Lauren in November 2000, and

right after that, I did a fragrance ad with

him and Penélope Cruz. I have been wor-

king for Ralph Lauren now for 11 years, and

I am honoured to be a spokesperson for

such a great brand.

Playing polo or modelling for Ralph

Lauren: which do you enjoy more?

I have a lot of fun in both worlds. Mo-

delling is a complement to my career as an

athlete. In Ralph Lauren I have found the

perfect brand to represent my sport.

| N A C H O F I G U E R A S18

Is it sometimes difficult to be at your best

as a player and as a model?

Not at all. Polo is really my passion and

my full-time job. Polo always comes first,

and I try to use the recognition that the mo-

delling has given me to promote the sport

that I love.

How do you manage the potential public

perception that you are primarily a model,

and secondly a polo player?

Polo is not about just showing up. It’s

about preparing your horse, playing, and

then taking care of your horse afterwards. I

think that’s very important. So seeing the

sport of polo in that way, with responsibili-

ties, is what I think will change people’s per-

spective about what the sport of polo is

about and will eventually make the sport

more understandable. For that, modelling is

the bridge I was looking for.

When you started modelling, what was

the reaction amongst other players?

In the beginning, I was getting all this

feedback from people saying, “What are

you doing? What is this?” but I thought to

myself, “This is a great opportunity. This can

be the perfect way to achieve my dream

and my vision of polo becoming a bigger

and a more visible sport.” So I used the

money that I got from modelling to buy bet-

ter horses and to become a better player.

Can you influence the perception of polo

through your modelling?

One of my goals in life is to make polo

a bigger sport. For this, modelling is the per-

fect bridge. There are many guys out there

who look like me, you know, with long

dark hair. But I think the difference is that I

am a real polo player who does endorse-

ments for Ralph Lauren on the side. So I

really believe I can influence the perception

of polo.

How would you like polo to be perceived?

For me, polo is not elitist or a ritual or

something that I feel is more important.

For me, polo is the relationship with the

horse first, which is something that is very

down-to-earth. As I mentioned, polo is

about horses and responsibilities. That’s

why I think polo is also a good thing for

kids to grow up with, in general and whe-

rever they come from, to have a relation-

ship to a horse. It teaches you responsibi-

lity in a very natural way. My oldest son

plays polo, and I love that he does, for that

reason, and not anything else. So I do

think polo is becoming ever more popular

and not so out-of-reach.

|N A C H O F I G U E R A S 19

| N A C H O F I G U E R A S20

How important is Ralph Lauren for polo,

and what do you think about the sponsor-

ship at the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on

Snow?

I am very excited about Ralph Lauren’s

involvement in polo. They are so represen-

tative of the sport, and it is great that they

get so involved with the real sport. When I

heard that Ralph Lauren was becoming

a sponsor, I got really excited about the

opportunity of visiting the Engadine. I played

summer polo in St. Moritz in 1995.

And did you play winter polo as well?

Not in St. Moritz. But I’ve played snow

polo in Aspen before and also played beach

polo, which is pretty similar to snow. On the

snow you depend a lot on the surface. If

they have done a good job with grading the

pitch of the snow, it makes it faster, or har-

der. So I have already experienced it.

Have you alreday had the chance to try

the shirts from Ralph Lauren’s collection

for the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on

Snow 2012?

Not yet, but I have seen a lot of draw-

ings and designs. It is a great collection, and

there is no doubt about the quality. That’s

for sure.

What are your next projects?

I am looking toward the future of polo.

It has a great one and there are many kids

out there that will be amazing players, like

in every sport. Kids are starting out younger

and taking it more seriously at a younger

age – so for me the competition in polo is

getting tougher.

Nachos FiguerasWhere you live: Divided between theU.S. (Bridgehampton, New York andPalm Beach, Florida) and Argentina.

Number of countries where you’veplayed polo: Around 20

Handicap: 6

Age: 34

Married: Yes, to Delfina Blaquier

Children: 3

Favourite polo ground: Palermo in Argentina

Best day in polo/Worst day in polo:Any day you play polo is a great day.Not a bad thing about it.

Favourite movie: The Godfather

Favourite band: The Rolling Stones

Favourite dinner after a match:Argentine asado

Favourite treatment after a match: A winning toast

Favourite holiday hotspot and why:Punta del Este in Uruguay, the perfectcombination of beach, nature, poloand friends.

|N A C H O F I G U E R A S 21

|24

“The hoof is the horse”

Even the Romansunderstood the significance of

the hoof. The skillof the blacksmithremains a crucialfactor to this day

in ensuring that ahorse runs well.

IN THE 21ST CENTURY YOU WON’T FIND black-

smiths working by the flickering light of a red-hot coal fur-

nace any more. Christian Lampert, from the winegrowing

village of Jenins in Grisons, is no exception: he doesn’t work

in front of a hearth blackened with soot in a dark smithy, as

he takes the glowing horseshoe on the anvil and, with the

clanging sound of precise strikes of the hammer, gives it a

shape that is accurate to the millimetre. The days when hor-

ses needing alterations were brought into the workshop to

“Hitsch” – as Christian Lampert is known – are long gone.

That would be impossible now, as his customer base covers

half of Switzerland, stretching from Ticino right up into the

canton of Aargau. His smithy, with a gas oven, small anvil

and a workbench, is all stored in a van. Christian Lampert

drives to the thoroughbreds at the Zurich racecourse in

Dielsdorf, to the showjumping and dressage horses in Ti-

cino and to the polo ponies in the Engadine. The fact that

the approximately 350 horses he looks after are spread out

across such a wide geographical area isn’t the result of ex-

cellent marketing, but is down to his master craftsmanship.

Every horse owner understands the age-old Arabic saying

“The hoof is the horse”. And the hoof also includes the

shoe, which provides protection for the feet against all types

of wear and tear on ground that is often hard – ensuring

that horses are able to run 365 days a year.

Even in ancient times, people were looking for some

form of protection for hooves. Alexander the Great (356–

323 BC) also experienced problems time and again during

his military endeavours around the world when the hooves

of his cavalries’ horses had worn away. The condition of

horses’ hooves during warfare remained crucially important

right up into the 20th Century. Large armies being forced to

take long breaks incurred huge unnecessary costs, and

could affect the strength and speed of an army at crucial

times. The forerunner of the horseshoe was the “hippo san-

dal” made of straw and used by the Romans, especially du-

ring the time when they built road networks. But these

sandals made from plant fibres soon proved to be unsatis-

I

The polo ponies in the Engadine are amongst the 350 horses Christian Lamper looks after.

A good eye and a steadyhand are the basic require-ments of a black smith.

owners the blacksmith remains as important today as he

was in the time of the stagecoaches. Christian Lampert is

full of praise for his “lovely” customers, who have been

loyal to him and have placed their complete trust in him for

many years. And with good reason: horsemen and -women

who can saddle up a contented horse and are able to rely

on its speed and agility at all times during, for instance, a

polo match know a good, serious blacksmith when they see

one. The basic requirements are a good eye and a steady

hand. This is because over the years the blacksmith’s craft

has hardly changed at all – despite the disappearance of

the soot-blackened fire and dark smithies and the arrival of

new technology. For Christian Lampert, a blacksmith has to

be a true horse expert, even if other skills are required du-

ring the hoofing process. First and foremost the iron hor-

seshoe has to provide protection for the horse’s hoof. This

is because the tip of the hoof is only hard and resistant on

the outside – similar to a human fingernail or toenail, which

has no feeling at its tip. The horseshoe also has to be cor-

factory, so that as early as 1 BC, horseshoes made of iron

were fixed to the hooves. The practice of nailing a form of

protection onto hooves is believed to have originated in the

Arab countries, arriving in Europe in the early Middle Ages.

The first written documentary evidence can be found in East-

ern Switzerland, in the cloister records in St. Gallen. In the

year 824, taxes in the form of horseshoes are mentioned,

which, together with artefacts discovered from the period,

suggest that a form of hoof covering had been in use for

some time.

Highly-prized craftsmanship

The effect of the introduction of the horseshoe on the econ-

omy and the military can be inferred from the respect that

society had for blacksmiths: for a good millennium or so,

this profession enjoyed a very high status. Now that horses

have had to relinquish their once-dominant position in the

face of the inexorable rise of the motor, things have gone

quiet for the village blacksmiths. But for individual horse

rectly aligned to the position of the horse’s limbs, and the

type of shoe selected depends on its use by the horse con-

cerned.

A horse wearing good horseshoes has always been a

sign of good luck. Or, as the saying goes, do we not ‘make

our own luck’? Only if we understand that we have to

‘strike whilst the iron’s hot’. Anyway, ever since blacksmiths

have been making iron malleable with fire and hammers,

people have believed that the metal has magic powers. It

supposedly makes you invincible, protects you against evil

spirits and can even ward off natural disasters. Horseshoes,

with their opening at the bottom, were placed above doors

and fireplaces because the superstition held that neither the

devil nor evil spirits were able to pass through the iron curve

of a horseshoe. In later times, finding a horseshoe was con-

sidered lucky. This horseshoe would then be nailed to the

wall with its opening pointing upwards to stop the good

luck from falling out. Christian Lampert has been a black-

smith since 1977, and these beliefs obviously don’t form

part of his work. Without a doubt, for him there’s only one

place where a horseshoe should be: where it doesn’t disturb

a horse that’s running.

No two hooves are the same

A horse needs new horseshoes every seven to eight weeks.

During this time the top of the hoof starts to grow, and the

hoof wall begins to grow out over the edge of the shoe.

After removing the horseshoe, the growth on the top of

the hoof must first be removed using a curved knife, cut-

ters, a hammer and a rasp. Not too much or too little, but

just enough to ensure a flat surface for the new shoe on the

sole of the hoof. The first time Christian Lampert kneels

down next to a horse, things take a little longer. No two

hooves are the same, and they need to be treated with due

care. Just one or two millimetres too much, and the sensi-

tive horse can start to walk with a limp. “If I’m shoeing a

polo pony in the winter for the St. Moritz Polo World Cup

on Snow, or a racehorse due to run in a prestigious race, I

The first time Christian Lampertkneels down next to a horse,things take a little longer.

Offi cial Coffee of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

www.nespresso.com/magazine

do sometimes get a little uneasy,” Christian Lampert admits.

Things are different with horses of long-standing customers,

whose hooves are all individually etched in the blacksmith’s

memory. Even when he’s at home, Christian Lampert already

knows the size of horseshoes he’ll need to take with him, or

the things he has to watch out for when he’s fitting them

on the horse. Acrid white smoke and the smell of burnt

hoof engulf the horse, the blacksmith and the assistant re-

sponsible for holding the horse’s leg in the right position.

The horse doesn’t feel any pain during the procedure, alt-

hough the shoe branded into the horse’s foot lets the

blacksmith know whether it fits or whether one or two

more taps of the hammer are needed. The shoe is made to

fit the hoof, not the hoof to the shoe – and it has to be ac-

curate to the millimetre.

When the blacksmith is happy with his work, he lets out

a cry of “Away!” Happy that he can now take a breather,

the assistant stands up straight again. A few finishing touch-

es are then required before the newly-adjusted shoe can be

nailed into place. The heating process has made the holes

for the nails and studs smaller, and the edges also need to

be filed down properly.

When shoeing polo ponies, there are a couple of spe-

cial factors to take into account. “During a game,” Chri-

stian Lampert explains, “the horses come very close to each

other. To reduce the chances of injury, the fittings are re-

duced slightly.” But not too much, as the hoof mechanism

that a horse has from birth, which expands the hoof slightly

towards the rear every time the horse puts its weight on it,

must not be affected. The highest level of concentration is

then required as the blacksmith finally nails the shoe into

place. How straight must the nail be kept so that it leaves

the hoof wall at exactly the right place? It’s part of the pride

in his work that the riveted nails on a freshly-fitted hoof sit

in a line as if a ruler had been used. But what you can see

is only one aspect of his craft. It’s more important that none

of the nails has come into contact with the internal part of

the hoof, with its internal circulation. It’s much worse than

The shoe is made to fit thehoof, not the hoof to theshoe.

the human equivalent of having a stone in your shoe. The

pain often only becomes apparent after a couple of days,

and in many cases leads to an abscess.

The blacksmith can then check the results of 90

minutes’ work. If the horse is able to stand level on all four

hooves, if the adjustment of the hooves fits correctly and if

the horse is able to run on them continuously, the blacks-

mith has a clear conscience and can send the horse out,

knowing it will be able to run well for the next seven or

eight weeks. THOMAS FREI

|32

Alpine region, southern sunshine: the Engadine St. Moritz

region has always inspired with its breathtaking natural sur-

roundings. Mountains covered with deep snow frame the

region – with sufficient space to indulge the inhabitants

with fresh air and light, yet over 4,000 metres high, provi-

ding an impressive backdrop to the sun-spoilt valley.

Switzerland’s largest winter sports region

With four main peaks, 350 kilometres of slopes, 200 kilo-

metres of cross-country skiing tracks and 150 kilometres of

winter hiking paths, Engadin St. Moritz is one of Switzer-

land’s most varied winter sports regions, not to mention one

of the most beautiful. This is also due to its 13 holiday ven-

ues, which could not be more diverse. Whilst glittering

St. Moritz accommodates the world and celebrates gla-

mour, rural traditions are fostered in the surrounding villa-

ges with their lovingly-restored houses, thriving village

centres and cosy pubs and restaurants.

Where great importance is attached to history

Nature plays, and will remain to play, the leading role in En-

gadin St. Moritz. It has all the space it requires to reveal it-

self in all its glory. And it rewards its visitors with unlimited

possibility and ways to indulge oneself. It is not a coinci-

dence that winter sports were invented here. This is where

history is made. This has always been the case: St. Moritz

was the first Swiss town to be supplied with electricity,

Europe’s first Palace Hotel is situated here, and it is here that

new standards are set – such as those at the Skiing World

Championships in 2003, the first large-scale alpine event

consistently geared towards sustainability. Creative minds

ensure that there is no chance of boredom where the world

spends its holidays.

The St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow has certainly

also made history. For 28 years, this event has been capti-

vating visitors from all over the world. Magnificent ponies,

fearless players and swirling clouds of snow – the fascina-

tion of polo on snow has been attracting lovers of equine

sports to the frozen Lake St. Moritz for years. And every

year, the event is backed by people who are committed to

turning this tournament into a highlight of the world’s spor-

ting and social calendar.

Nature as if sculpted by an artist’s hand

In addition to its leading infrastructure with premium

hotels, legendary events and an exclusive range of services,

St. Moritz has preserved its origins and is set in natural sur-

roundings that seem to have been sculpted by an artist’s

hand. And as if that were not enough, a plentiful amount

of sunshine ensures that the elegant alpine style is always

presented in the right light.

Engadine St. Moritz: The home of winterTHE ENGADINE ST. MORITZ REGION ENCHANTS BOTH AS A LANDSCAPE AND AS A MYTH,

AS IT HARMONIOUSLY COMBINES NATURE, TRADITION, A MODERN LIFESTYLE AND WINTER SPORTS

| 33

The 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

The unique atmosphere offered by the world’s most renowned

winter polo tournament on the frozen Lake St. Moritz allows

this unrivalled winter sports resort to play host to the four par-

ticipating teams of the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on

Snow tournament from 26th to 29th January 2012. Cartier,

Ralph Lauren, BMW and Bank Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie.

(Switzerland) Ltd., a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank, are the part-

ners, perfectly complementing this year’s top-class winter polo

event in the charming Engadine landscape, 1,800 metres

above sea level. Once more, we may look forward to superior

polo. Urs E. Schwarzenbach, Chairman of the Board of Direc-

tors of St. Moritz Polo AG, is delighted: “We are very happy

and proud that we can count on the support of such out-

standing partners. With their commitment, the sponsors vi-

tally contribute to the success and reputation of the St. Moritz

Polo World Cup on Snow.”

From a gastronomic point of view, the visitors to the 28th

St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow may also look forward to

premium experiences. Two top chefs, Reto Mathis of La Mar-

mite in Corviglia, high above St. Moritz and Franz W. Faeh

of Le Vieux Manoir in Murten, will be preparing the culinary

treats, while Daniel Müller from the renowned St. Moritz

restaurant Cascade will be responsible for running the bar. In

addition, the organisers of the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup

on Snow are particularly proud that Joachim Wissler from the

Vendôme gourmet restaurant in the Grandhotel Schloss Bens-

berg in Bergisch Gladbach near Cologne will be serving his

exquisite creations at the gala dinner.

However, it should not be forgotten that the protagonists

of the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow are the polo

ponies and their experienced riders. The well-being and health

of these top athletes takes priority, which is why St. Moritz

Polo AG spares no effort to make their stay in the Engadine

St. Moritz region as pleasant as possible and to provide the

very best in accommodation for them all.

HANSJÖRG RUH

Thursday 26th January 2012

11.00 a.m. Engadin St. Moritz Trophy BMW – RALPH LAUREN

02.00 p.m. Niarchos Trophy SAL. OPPENHEIM – CARTIER

Friday 27th January 2012

11.00 a.m. Hertz Trophy BMW – SAL. OPPENHEIM

02.00 p.m. Nespresso Trophy RALPH LAUREN – CARTIER

Saturday 28th January 2012

11.00 a.m. Kempinski Trophy SAL. OPPENHEIM – RALPH LAUREN

02.00 p.m. Swiss Jet Trophy CARTIER – BMW

Sunday 29th January 2012

11.00 a.m. Deutsche Bank Trophy / Subsidiary Final 3rd AND 4th PLACE

02.00 p.m. Cartier Trophy / Final 1st AND 2nd PLACE

Schedule

inest snow polo

The frozen Lake St. Moritz serves as

a natural playing field for the world’s

most renowned and most prestigious

high goal tournament taking place

on snow and ice. Over a quarter of a

century of exciting matches and

glamorous guests with the interna-

tional spotlight clearly focused on

St. Moritz and the St. Moritz Polo

World Cup on Snow shows that the

tournament has become a firm fixture

in the ever-growing world of polo.

F

|42

Harmony betweenbody and mind

In old times, horses had theiranatomy studied

in an attempt to understand their in infinite

detail. Today, the correct way of

handling horses also calls for ethical

competence.

NYONE WHO GIVES A HORSE THE NAME

of a popular cold remedy must believe the animal has mag-

nificent healing powers. A colt foaled in 1749 was given

the name Whistlejacket, and, like the gin and syrup tincture,

the flesh-and-blood namesake was also employed to great

effect. The galloper won a series of major races for the 2nd

Marquess of Rockingham, and over 200 years later was the

subject of a lucrative deal for Rockingham’s descendants.

In 1997, the National Gallery in London paid GBP 11 million

for probably the most famous work by George Stubbs

(1724–1806), Whistlejacket, this time not in flesh and

blood, but in colour on canvas, as an oil painting. The In-

dependent newspaper described the painting as “a para-

digm of the flawless beauty of an Arabian thoroughbred”,

stating that George Stubbs had succeeded in capturing the

powerful physical presence of the horse in an extremely life-

like manner.

The story behind why Stubbs became England’s most

renowned horse painter is a special one, with the basis of

such realistic work lying in his fundamental study of the

anatomy of horses. At the time Stubbs had no option other

than to work his way through the dissection of countless

horses over a period of one and a half years. He made me-

ticulous notes and drawings, which were collected togeth-

er to produce his renowned book, The Anatomy of the

Horse, published in London in 1766. Even today it still pro-

vides vivid illustrations of a horse’s interior, and how the ske-

leton is constructed and packed with muscles. The work

attracts much more than merely artistic interest, given that

anyone aiming to understand horses needs to know about

how their bodies are built and how their musculoskeletal

system functions.

The perfect running machine

As a flight animal, the horse is born as the perfect running

machine. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in just a few

seconds, during which time it pumps, 300 litres of blood

through the body, with a heart rate of more than 200 beats

A

|W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E 43

John Fernand Marti works as an equine physiotherapist,identifying and analysingfunctional problems in thebody of the horse.

|W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E 45

per minute, and takes 2,000 litres of air into its lungs. Tho-

roughbreds – in a sense the sprinters of the equine world –

are born with a high proportion of muscle fibre that con-

tracts extremely quickly and powerfully (also known as fast

twitch muscle), whilst the muscular system of the Arabian

horses – known more as the marathon runners – consists

more of muscle fibre that contracts slowly (slow twitch mus-

cle) and is therefore more conducive to endurance. From

the lungs to the cardiovascular system and the skeletal mus-

cles, every organ system involved in the oxygen chain is

structurally and functionally enhanced, and highly devel-

oped in comparison to other mammals. The lungs of a horse

have a huge surface area (1,700 square metres, equivalent

to four tennis courts), guaranteeing a high diffusion capa-

city for breathable gases. The heart is impressive in both size

and efficiency, and the red blood cells stored in the spleen

can be released into the bloodstream at short notice during

periods of extreme exertion, in order to significantly increase

the ability to transport oxygen. On top of this, the biome-

chanical evolution of the horse has also helped to transform

this animal into a first-class athlete. The greatest muscle

mass is located in the rump, whilst this peripheral weight is

offset by the fine, long limbs, which fix in the stance phase

and function like a catapult when the horse strikes off.

Just like any human athlete, for a horse to produce a

first-class sporting performance, a whole range of require-

ments must fall into place. This goes well beyond the mus-

culoskeletal system and the individual organs – body and

mind must be in harmony, and this calls for the right care

and handling, appropriate feeding, optimal shoeing and nat-

urally the best possible training. For this, anyone wanting to

get the best sporting performance out of a horse must take

a holistic approach and understand the animal as a whole.

Taking a step back in time can help. Horses previously lived

on the steppes, consumed small quantities of food several

times throughout the day and were always in the open and

With different colours John Fernand Marti illustrates the horse’spowerhouse: the muscle.

| W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E46

blems in the body of the horse and offering insights into

their individual potential for improvement and success, with

appropriate physical therapies for each and every animal

under consideration. The aim of his physiotherapy is optimal

movement and function, and is achieved, for example, by

means of pain management, the normalisation of muscle

tone and muscle strengthening in the correct posture. “The

muscles are the horse’s powerhouse,” says John Fernand

Marti, who attaches particular importance to treating the

muscular system.

With this in mind, the physiotherapist applies passive

treatment procedures and active movement therapies. The

passive procedures include automated techniques such as

electrical muscle stimulation and manual techniques such

as massage and trigger-point therapy. These procedures

might sometimes appear to an outside observer to be some

what severe, with the physiotherapist for example taking a

firm hold of one of the animal’s hind legs, bending it and

on the move, as herding and flight animals that formed

social bonds but were also on their guard and ready to flee

at any sign of danger. Today the animal’s entire behaviour

is still based on this concept; but with many of the horse’s

original needs being neglected by some of today’s custodi-

ans, deficiencies in the performance of horses taking part in

elite sport are emerging. These are a result of musculoske-

letal, spinal, pulmonary and digestive disorders, as well as

problems with social behaviour.

In such a highly-differentiated athlete as the horse, the

focus in training should therefore not necessarily be solely

on the conscious improvement of performance, but on

maintaining a healthy and happy horse. This is a belief

shared by John Fernand Marti. Just like the painter George

Stubbs, John Fernand Marti is extremely familiar with the

inner workings of the horse, having originally trained to be

a horse butcher. Today, however, he works as an equine

physiotherapist, identifying and analysing functional pro-

Once the first bending and stretching exercises have beencarried out, the horse realisesamazingly quickly that it is bene-fiting from this treatment.

|W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E 47

stretching it in order to improve the quality of mobility. Not

every horse is immediately prepared to subject itself to this

treatment. “However, you must never let go, because

otherwise it would be an uncomfortable situation for the

horse and it might lose its willingness to cooperate,” says

John Fernand Marti. Once the first bending and stretching

exercises have been carried out, the horse realises amazing-

ly quickly that it is benefiting from this treatment, and ac-

cepts it. Active movement therapies are then used as a

means to improve body awareness and coordination. This

may sound very familiar, because physiotherapy is an area

that is well known in human medicine. In veterinary medi-

cine, however, physiotherapists are often entering new ter-

ritory. At the 2009 St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow polo

ponies were treated by John Fernand Marti for the first time.

He treated around 40 horses in St. Moritz and was initially

met with scepticism. “But after the first treatment I imme-

diately started to receive excellent feedback from the

grooms,” he remembers. And success was to follow, with

the teams which had benefited from John Fernand Marti’s

services winning in the 2009 and in the 2010 St. Moritz

Polo World Cup on Snow.

So now to the question: do John Fernand Marti’s hands

also hold some kind of magical power, just like Whistlejak-

ket in the past? The physiotherapist makes no mention of

magic, focusing much more on the importance and effec-

tiveness of targeted stretching exercises, pressure or elec-

tro-massages used to relax the horse’s muscular system, to

promote blood flow and relieve tension and stiffness. “This

helps to relax the horses: they are no longer so physically

tired and are less likely to have stocked-up legs and saddle

sores,” says John Fernand Marti, who sees his therapy as

valuable support and prevention, in particular in the reco-

very phase following a competition. Naturally, however,

there are also limits. “In each discipline the demands placed

on the horses are different. In polo, for example, I have to

| W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E48

fortunately not yet needed to be deployed extensively.”

Markus Müller cannot remember any serious accident ever

having occurred over the last 25 years. “Since polo on snow

is also somewhat slower than on grass, this minimises the

risk of accidents. Above all, however, the teams now travel

to the Engadin with well-trained and prepared horses,” says

Markus Müller. “All those involved,” he goes on to say,

“know what is expected of the ponies in St. Moritz and how

to prepare them for it.”

Setting new standards in equine welfare

Together with St. Moritz Polo AG, veterinary surgeon Mar-

kus Müller goes one step further in ensuring the welfare of

the horses. He no longer simply carries out checks on site,

but is also an advocate of a generally binding framework

aimed at improved welfare conditions for the polo ponies.

Markus Müller says, “The world of equestrian sport recently

had a hard time drawing a line between medication that

make sure not to work too hard on the pony’s neck, be-

cause if it becomes too relaxed this can be a hindrance du-

ring the game.”

John Fernand Marti is also aware that there are some

problems he cannot solve. Physiotherapy is a treatment in-

tended to complement mainstream medicine, an area

which Markus Müller has been responsible for ever since

the beginning of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow.

The experienced veterinary surgeon, who once ran his own

clinic near Zurich and an altitude recovery centre for horses

in the Engadin, now works primarily for the Fédération

Équestre Internationale (FEI), the international federation of

equestrian sports. In this role, he is active worldwide at

major tournaments and championships, ensuring the wel-

fare of the horses in top-class sport. In an interdisciplinary

comparison, he speaks highly of the St. Moritz Polo World

Cup on Snow: “Veterinary resources are always extremely

well organised, and we have enough personnel, who have

Physiotherapy is a treatmentintended to complementmainstream medicine.

|W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E 49

promotes the welfare of the horse and unauthorised treat-

ment aimed at improving performance. The topic has been

under intense discussion since the 2008 Olympic Games

and the cases of ‘banned’ medication that arose at the time.

Rules are now to be harmonised with the governing bodies

of human sports and the World Anti-Doping Agency or

WADA.This is a sensible approach. Uniform regulations are

needed, and what’s also extremely important are uniform

methods of measurement in doping laboratories. There

must be a clear commitment to strict implementation of the

rules with a view to safeguarding the welfare of the hor-

ses.” This is also the aim being pursued in polo by Markus

Müller, in a project group initiated by St. Moritz Polo AG

within the Swiss Polo Association (SPA). “We have to create

uniform standards and resolve the central issue of who

bears responsibility for a pony in the game of polo,” adds

Markus Müller. He believes that in polo it should be the

horse owner who bears responsibility. Given that this person

does not always accompany the horse when it is on the

move, though, a binding formula must be devised for de-

legating responsibility to a team manager or a particular

specialist. “This is undoubtedly a sensitive subject because

it involves legal issues, but delegation must be defined ac-

curately in order to prevent responsibility from being attri-

buted to any random individual.”

The new standard is intended for national implementa-

tion as soon as possible, in conjunction with the Swiss

governing body for equestrian sport (the Swiss Equestrian

Federation, SEF) and the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office

(FVO), to be transferred later to the international arena in

collaboration with the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA).

This ground-breaking initiative is receiving a warm welcome

in polo circles. “The status of the horse has changed dra-

matically over the last 50 years,” says Markus Müller. “Pre-

viously, a horse was primarily a working animal, but now

for many it is a partner with ethical rights, whose social,

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St. Moritz Polo:Layout 1 29/09/2011 15:26 Page 1

|W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E 51

physical and psychological well-being is respected. The

same applies in top-class sport, where other criteria are also

added to the mix. Here the horses are highly valuable, with

an additional financial interest underlying their welfare and

sponsors investing large sums of money in return for a sport

that is clean and fair to the horses.” More expansive legis-

lation is also to thank for this evolved approach to horse

welfare. In September 2008, for example, a new animal

welfare act came into force in Switzerland with three cen-

tral tenets: horses must have social contact (see, hear and

smell other horses) and be able to move freely (no chaining,

minimum horsebox sizes), and the keeper of the horse must

meet certain training requirements.

These specifications were taken into account by St. Mo-

ritz Polo AG when it purchased new boxes to accommo-

date polo ponies in the Engadine. The boxes opposite the

airport at Samedan are considerably larger than mobile stalls

were in the past; – and thanks to an ingenious double-roof

Today the welfare of thehorse also encompassesethical values.

system they are able to withstand extreme weather condi-

tions, both in winter and in summer.

Some 200 years ago, George Stubbs attempted to un-

derstand the horse by way of its anatomy. Today, however,

the focus is on a much broader-based, holistic approach that

encompasses not only mainstream and complementary

medicine but also ethical values. This is a fundamental

change that – when implemented consistently – results in

the improved welfare of the horse. St. Moritz Polo AG has

embraced this principle wholeheartedly.

PETER JEGEN

A quality organisation and

a unique club

Guards Polo Clubis run on a solidbusiness footingwith significant

potential to grow.

UARDS POLO CLUB was founded on 25th Jan-

uary 1955 by His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of

Edinburgh, who continues to be the Club’s President to this

day. Steeped in British heritage, Guards Polo Club prides it-

self on its close association with the British Royal Family. Sit-

uated within Windsor Great Park, the Club enjoys the

outstanding natural surroundings of Smith’s Lawn, thought

to have been named after a gamekeeper at the time of the

Restoration in the 17th Century. The Club’s name was

changed in 1969 from the Household Brigade Polo Club,

under the 25-year stewardship of the Commander of the

Household Cavalry Colonel William Gerard Leigh, to Guards

Polo Club, deriving from the Guards Division of the British

Army.

Guards Polo Club is one of the most prestigious private

member’s clubs in the world. It is one of four polo clubs in

the United Kingdom that stage elite high goal tournaments,

the others being Cowdray Park, Royal Berkshire and Ci-

rencester Park. Claiming to have the largest membership of

any European polo club, Guards currently has over one

thousand non-playing members and around 160 playing

members, among whom are some of the highest-rated pro-

|54

G

Guards Polo Club currentlyhas over one thousand non-playing members.

|G U A R D S P O L O C L U B 55

fessionals in the world. Approximately a quarter of the play-

ers who visit Guards are from overseas, travelling from all

over Europe, the Middle and Far East, North and South

America, Australia and New Zealand.

Guards prides itself on a strong sense of teamwork. As

such, the addition of the stunning clubhouse on Smith’s

Lawn blends members and staff harmoniously together

with state-of-the-art offices for management and a restau-

rant and bar for members. The team consists of twelve full-

time employees, which increases in number during the sea-

son. With the untimely death of the Club’s previous Chief

Executive, the late Charles Stisted, Guards has undergone

an emotionally turbulent year. Nevertheless, it has been the

strong level of camaraderie which has pulled everyone

through for another successful season.

The Club’s solidarity was manifested by the appoint-

ment of Neil Hobday as the new Chief Executive, who

states, whilst firmly clarifying his warm and professional

welcome to the role: “I knew my predecessor well and was

greatly saddened by his tragic loss. However, in his absence

the team here showed great professionalism and dedica-

tion whilst a successor was found.” Neil Hobday joined Gu-

ards as the new Chief Executive in June 2011 and, when

asked about taking up his new role, states, “It was an exci-

ting opportunity. Guards Polo Club is a quality organisation

and is unique as a polo club, as it is run on a solid business

footing with significant potential to grow both at home and

more importantly abroad in emerging markets.” Much like

his predecessor, Neil Hobday recognises the importance of

international opportunity and has plans to travel to the

Middle East, India and Asia, where the Club is looking to

establish tailor-made and well-sponsored polo events at

new polo clubs. In addition, a number of polo develop-

ments are asking Guards Polo Club to advise them on ope-

rational initiatives, marketing and events.

With such prospects ahead, Mr. Hobday was the clear

choice for the demanding role, acknowledging that “Polo,

as a sport, has a great deal of growth potential in a popu-

larity sense as well as a business sense.” Although he admits

he is no polo aficionado, he is also no stranger to the sport,

and his diverse background in sport and event manage-

ment, sponsorship marketing, private club operations and

business development equip him with the necessary skills

for the position. And with the selection of stunning fields at

| G U A R D S P O L O C L U B56

Guards, it is no wonder the Club have appointed a new

CEO with such an avid interest in agronomy. Mr. Hobday

states that his interest is based on “One simple objective,

which is that whatever the sport, the club should produce

the best playing surfaces possible.” He goes on to say that

the perfect polo ground must be well constructed and well

drained and have a safe and resilient playing surface, all

qualities which are resembled on the grounds at Guards.

Ten grounds and 130 acres

There are ten grounds extending over an area of 130 acres

at Guards Polo Club, beautifully maintained and set within

spectacular surroundings. Peter Svoboda is the Facilities Ma-

nager and responsible for the upkeep of these phenomenal

fields. Mr. Svoboda first came to Guards in 2005 as a ge-

neral groundsman where he worked on all aspects of the

grounds. In 2010 he was appointed Head Groundsman at

a private ground at Les Lions before returning to Guards to

take up his current position for the 2011 season. He is clear-

ly delighted to have returned to the Club and to have taken

up such a reputable position. When asked about his new

role he states: “It is a huge challenge, and having been a

member of the team for several years I knew what to expect

and knew I was ready for a larger challenge.”

Mr. Svoboda explains that ground maintenance is a full-

time operation with his team’s schedule throughout the sea-

son consisting of daily grass cutting, rolling the fields, pro-

vided they are not too wet or dry, and sanding or watering

the fields depending on the conditions. Shorter grass results

in a faster game and, as such, grass length at Guards

is maintained at 18 millimetres on the principal grounds

throughout the season. During winter, however, the cold

damages the grass and, as a result, the grass is left longer,

only being cut once a week. Understandably colossal funds

are put towards maintenance equipment. However, Guards

is fortunate enough to be able to use Virginia Water, the

huge lake in Windsor Great Park, to aid irrigation system.

The ground is not irrigated in winter and the October ferti-

lising programme adds protection from the winter weather.

The team begins scarifying and aerating the lawns in au-

tumn, as well as conducting ground breaking and re-

seeding where needed. Fertiliser is applied in spring and

autumn and all the grounds are sprayed with weedkiller be-

fore the start of the season, with treatment for leather jak-

kets taking place in October.

As Guards Polo Club hosts 400 matches from April

through to September, ground maintenance is a team

effort and Mr. Svobada confirms that he could not do his

job without his colleagues, stating the team comes togeth-

er “Like a jigsaw with all the pieces in the right place.” His

partnership with the Polo Manager, Oliver Ellis, is vital to

this stringent process as the team has to respect the lay of

the land and organise the games schedule according to the

state of the grounds. Guards has more polo played upon

its grounds than any other club in the world. Thus, the un-

derstanding between game scheduling and ground main-

Neil Hobday joined GuardsPolo Club as the new CEO inJune 2011.

|G U A R D S P O L O C L U B 57

tenance is imperative. With the vast amount of polo being

played, the Club has already started improving The Prince’s

Ground by removing 16 millimetres off the top of the field,

reseeding and allowing the ground to rest in order to be

ready for play in 2012.

In addition to ground maintenance and respect for the

stunning natural beauty of the surroundings, Guards has

ensured that it leads the way with polo pony welfare by the

creation of a Pony Welfare Committee. As a result, Guards

sports a unique system providing covered pony lines where

ponies cannot dig whilst waiting to play. Therefore, the po-

nies do not damage their legs by unevenly distributing their

body weight. There is also a vet box, where vets and para-

medics are on duty for the duration of each game with the

opportunity for mobile X-rays if needed during play. Reali-

sing the bilingual element of polo, Guards has created signs

in both English and Spanish so that language cannot be a

reason for misunderstanding the rules of pony welfare.

Due to its concern for pony welfare, Guards has built a

comprehensive equestrian facility at Flemish Farm. Situated

across Windsor Great Park, less than four miles from Smith’s

Lawn, Flemish Farm was originally a Victorian brickworks

and now offers stables for over one hundred horses and

accommodation for 28 grooms. The facility also provides

permanent accommodation for twelve horses of The Ho-

nourable Artillery Company. Additionally, there is a purpose

– built indoor school, an exercise track, a practice field and

grazing space comprising 15 large and 23 small paddocks.

Further plans for a new ground at Flemish Farm are in

progress to allow room for an expanded fixture list. An all-

weather arena is also on the horizon, which will enable

more polo to be played all year round. Guards Polo Club is

very proud of its position as a leading European polo club

and makes sure its expertise in polo club management and

polo pony welfare is unrivalled and respected throughout

the world. Oliver Ellis speaks proudly of Guards’ preoccu-

pation with pony welfare, stating that “We are determined

that we retain our reputation within this increasingly popu-

lar sport.” Neil Hobday shares this opinion, and is also proud

of the new facilities which have added such value to the

Club both on and off the field.

Solid relationship with young members

Such conscientious developments are crucial to the next

generation of polo, an element of the sport of which Gu-

ards is acutely aware. Guards offers various rates of playing

membership including a cost-effective junior membership

recognising that, in this economically tumultuous time, it is

particularly important to heighten opportunities for young

players. Keen to show how seriously the Club takes youth

polo, Guards hosts several school and university polo days.

The Eton School polo team is based at Guards Polo Club

and the Club is home to the Jack Wills Varsity Day, featuring

the traditional matches between Eton and Harrow and be-

tween Oxford and Cambridge. Guards is well aware of the

importance of building solid relationships with its young

Shorter grass results in a fastergame and grass length is main-tained at 18 millimetres.

|G U A R D S P O L O C L U B 59

Peter Svoboda is the FacilitiesManager at Guards.

Queen’s Cup, Guards always excels. Guards is a sensational

polo club and one of which Brit-ish Polo is immensely proud.

The perfect polo club should incorporate all the assets

and attributes of most other private clubs including high

operational standards, comfortable and efficient facilities,

a warm welcome and a home- from-home atmosphere. Al-

lied to that should be excellent polo facilities from pony wel-

fare right through to spectacular high goal grounds, all of

which are qualities highlighted at Guards. With all the de-

velopments that have been made and are yet to be com-

pleted, the team is very much looking to the future, making

sure that the Guards Polo Club brand will grow in a subtle,

measured and appropriate way. When considering the fu-

ture Neil Hobday states: “I would hope that the Club’s

brand, both domestically and internationally, is perceived as

a high-quality, efficient and service-orientated polo club

which has used its expertise and experience in promoting

polo worldwide.”

With such exceptionally high standards, it is no wonder

that Guards Polo Club is one of the most prestigious pri-

vate clubs in the world and thus so greatly admired both at

home and abroad. O L I V I A J O H N S O N

members and hopes its modern facilities will encourage the

younger generation to play more polo. As Neil Hobday

rightly states, “The young players of today are the playing

members of tomorrow, so it is vital that we have a very

strong base of young players who feel supported and en-

couraged.”

In addition to the focus on up-and-coming players and

the developments at home, Guards is well aware of its in-

ternational opportunities. As such, the Club has a recipro-

cal agreement with many clubs around the globe offering

its players and social members the opportunity to enjoy in-

ternational polo. One of these clubs is St. Moritz, where the

Guards Polo Manager often umpires matches at the St. Mo-

ritz Polo World Cup on Snow. Guards is also heavily invol-

ved in the Desert Palm Polo Club in Dubai, where the Club

runs the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, which

will next be played in February 2012.

The International Challenge is also an important event

in the British polo calendar, taking the form of the Hurling-

ham Polo Association International Day, which celebrated

its 26th and final year of Cartier sponsorship in the 2011 sea-

son with England’s victory over Brazil. The International is a

one-day exhibition match which annually attracts 20,000

spectators, providing logistical challenges for the Club. Ho-

wever, as both Mr. Hobday and Oliver Ellis agree, Guards

stands out when putting on a spectacular event and

whether it is a one-day game with an audience of 20,0000

or one of the world’s greatest polo tournaments like The

|60

MMERSED WITHIN THE STUNNING ENGLISH

countryside of West Sussex, Polo Splice is a rare find within

the industry of polo craftsmanship. Immensely popular in

the local area, Polo Splice is well known at home and ab-

road as an efficient, top-quality and intimately-run business.

Unlike many successful international enterprises, what is

most striking about Polo Splice is not only the glorious lo-

cation but the rustic, unassuming appearance of the work-

shop itself. Seeking it out down a discreet country lane one

moves deeper into the idyllic English countryside of yester-

year. Within the serene setting of age-old pubs, stone brick

churches, ivy-covered walls and country cottages resides the

village of Little Todham. It’s the perfect location for Polo

Splice, given its proximity to the world-famous Cowdray

polo grounds, where the tranquillity of the area is over-

thrown during the summer months by the excitement of

the British Open.

Polo Splice was founded by Greg Glue, who has been

involved in polo for the majority of his life. His interest

began at the age of five when his mother was grooming in

America. Having left school at the age of 16, he spent most

of the 1970s and 1980s following his mother’s footsteps

by grooming at various yards in the US. It was not long until

he was playing low and medium goal tournaments with a

career revolving around breaking in young horses. He spent

most of his youth following polo seasons across the Atlan-

tic, spending summers in England and winters in America,

reaching a handicap of three goals and primarily playing the

defensive position of back.

INSPIRED BY NANO’S POLO STICKS

It was during his time in the USA in 1988 that Greg gained

his inspiration to start his craftsmanship company, Polo

Splice. He was playing polo in Florida at West Palm Beach

and working at the Saddle Club, where he began his friend-

ship with Adriano Perez. Adriano had an unrivalled reputa-

tion for manufacturing and repairing polo mallets in

Argentina and later established Nano’s Polo Mallets, Inc. in

An extension of the player’s arm

Polo Splice shows us

the importance of the art of

craftmanship, providing playerswith equipment

of excellence.

I

|T H E P R O D U C T I O N O F P O L O M A L L E T S 61

The idyllic English countrysideis a rustic location for an in-ternational enterprise likePolo Splice.

| T H E P R O D U C T I O N O F P O L O M A L L E T S62

1993. With Nano’s inspiration, polo craftsmanship became

an avid interest for Greg and it was not long before he was

repairing his own mallets and developing his own high stan-

dards.

Greg’s hobby rapidly expanded to include the repair re-

quests of his friends. And as word of his ability spread, he

quickly discovered there was a sizeable niche in the British

market for repairing polo equipment – a discovery which

proved to be far more profitable for him than playing the

sport itself. It was at that moment that he took the initiative

to discontinue his polo playing career and focus his atten-

tion on building a business on the sidelines of the sport. In-

deed, with a sport such as polo, it is these sidelines which

form the beauty seen during play. Without it, top profes-

sionals and amateur players alike would lack a key ingre-

dient in the recipe for success: skill, world-class horses and

quality equipment.

Greg formed Polo Splice in 1989 as a part-time hobby,

whilst grooming and playing polo in England. As the busi-

ness grew, Greg realised he had to focus his entire attention

on his craftsmanship career. Thus, at the end of the British

|T H E P R O D U C T I O N O F P O L O M A L L E T S 63

Over 8,000 mallets are repaireda year and 1,000 to 1,500 newmallets are created.

| T H E P R O D U C T I O N O F P O L O M A L L E T S64

season in 1993 he returned to the USA to work at the

Saddle Club and refine his skills. A year later he decided to

fully dedicate himself to Polo Splice, which officially began

manufacturing and selling new mallets in 1995.

Originally a summer business repairing no more than a

few hundred mallets per annum, the initial team consisted

of Greg and his wife Kim, whose quick wit and initiative

were crucial to the development of the company. However,

as their reputation grew, so did their figures, and it was not

long before Daniel Page joined the dynamic duo. Together

they repaired over 8,000 mallets a year and created 1,000

to 1,500 new mallets for sale. The team gained Scott

Thompson in 2002 and Polo Splice is now an all-year-round

business. Due to this rapid growth they now have a deluxe

trailer enabling them to travel to all English polo clubs, an

online shop and a retail shop alongside their workshop. Suf-

fice it to say the appearance of the unassuming workshop,

hidden within the West Sussex countryside, conceals the

epicentre for British polo craftsmanship.

Polo Splice is particularly proud of its long-standing re-

lationships with both competitors and clients. Over the years

the clientele has expanded enormously with mallet sales and

repairs continuing as its central markets. However, the

attractive merchandise displayed in the workshop and trai-

ler also proves to be very popular with all players. Often the

repair service provides excellent advertising opportunities,

as many players are captivated by the range of merchan-

dise on sale. Such enthused clients have included some of

the world’s top players as well as celebrities like Mike Ru-

therford, Kenny Jones and Jodie Kidd. In addition to its Bri-

tish success, Polo Splice exports merchandise internationally.

This includes English stirrup leathers, goggles and bits to Ar-

gentina and to many high goal yards within USA, France,

the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand and Australia, to

name but a few!

RAW MATERIALS FROM MALAYSIA TO ARGENTINA

As the predominant polo craftsmanship company in Eng-

land, Polo Splice fulfils the requirements of each customer

by maintaining sufficient supplies. The biggest challenge

within this field is making sure it receives its materials from

abroad, whilst trying to overcome the language barriers and

sustain a good relationship with its suppliers in South-East

Asia. They import top quality Manau cane from Malaysia

and Indonesia and Tipuana Blanca mallet heads and rubber

grips from Argentina. Despite rumours that Manau cane is

in short supply, Polo Splice has a good relationship with its

suppliers and has not found there to be a shortage. The

best Manau roots come from the virgin hillside forests of

Malaysia and can take up to 70 years to grow, reaching 100

metres in length. Due to the use of such established mate-

rials, the quality of Polo Splice mallets is identical to those

originally made in Argentina.

In keeping with the traditional materials, Polo Splice also

maintains the age-old method for mallet manufacturing.

On arrival at the workshop the root is still attached to the

cane, which is used to create the desired stiffness and taper

required by the handle. First and foremost the cane is sea-

soned over a long period of time using a low-temperature

oven. As a result, moisture trapped inside the cane is re-

duced and the shaft is tempered in order to reach its opti-

mum tension. After straightening, sanding and trimming

the cane to the required length, a small piece of wood is

attached to the strongest part of the cane, and is sanded

and shaped into a handle, where a sling and grip are then

added. Subsequently, the canes are weighed and balanced

|T H E P R O D U C T I O N O F P O L O M A L L E T S 65

In keeping with the traditionalmaterials, Polo Splice alsomaintains the age-old methodfor mallet manufacturing.

| T H E P R O D U C T I O N O F P O L O M A L L E T S66

The production and repair ofnatural cane mallets is the toppriority of Polo Splice.

|T H E P R O D U C T I O N O F P O L O M A L L E T S 67

in order to find the best Tipa head weight for each. Once

the head weight is decided, the bottom of the cane is taped

and the mallet head attached. The finishing touches depend

on the wishes of the customers as to whether they desire

varnished, painted or initialled mallet heads.

The production and repair of natural cane mallets, with

their natural flex acting as a highly efficient shock absorber,

is the top priority of Polo Splice. Mallet repairs vary depen-

ding on each incident, just as mallet production varies ac-

cording to each player. Low goal is often far more

destructive on mallets than high goal due to the difference

in quality of play. The most common need for repair is a

splice, where the cane has twisted and the ball travels in a

different direction from where it was originally hit. The cane

is nearly always repairable; but being a natural product it

can only stand so much. Thus, when a player hits a ball off-

centre it will rotate the head a fraction and eventually twist

the mallet out of alignment. Polo Splice deals with thou-

sands of mallet repairs every year and strives to return each

mallet as if it were newly made, conveying its fast, profes-

sional and reliable service.

Polo Splice does not specialise in composite mallets as it

strives to maintain the traditional use of natural cane mal-

lets and prides itself on its field of expertise. Nevertheless,

it is aware that composite mallets are necessary for certain

versions of the sport, such as increasingly popular arena

polo. As with snow polo, speed, ball control and accuracy

are paramount in the arena. Thus, mallets tend to be lighter

and stiffer with slightly larger handles to increase control in

a shorter space of time. As a result, Polo Splice imports gra-

phite mallets to satisfy the winter demand. In its experience

most arena players prefer graphite mallets due to their light

weight, which is favourable when striking a large inflatable

ball. On arrival at the workshop the components for gra-

phite mallets are already attached and generally machine-

made, so all that remains to be done is to attach the mallet

heads and contact the clients.

A GREAT VARIETY OF STYLES

Mallet production has become more refined over the years.

Each player has their preferred mallet style. Therefore, in

order to satisfy a player’s taste, the craftsman has to un-

derstand their needs exactly. This is why Polo Splice insists

on creating a personal relationship with each of its clients,

remembering that the perfect mallet for one professional

may be disastrous for another.

The most popular mallet lengths are 52 and 53 inches

(132cm and 135.5 cm) and the most popular mallet head

is the cigar-pattern, weighing between 160 to 240 grams

and 9 ½ inches (24 cm) in length with a centre diameter of

44 to 45 millimetres. Beginners of medium build are re-

commended to use a mallet head of between 185 and 195

grams balanced on a medium shaft. If one has less than

average wrist strength a heavy mallet will cause injury, dis-

abling chances of improving one’s game. Therefore, it is im-

portant to select a head weight which does not exhaust the

player but instead helps them to form the classic pendulum

swing with the mallet performing the majority of the work.

To maintain the necessary balance it is advisable to re-

duce the head weight by at least 5 grams for each extra

inch in cane length. The most efficient way to measure a

preferred mallet length is to have the player take up a strik-

ing position on their pony, holding their arm straight as if

holding a mallet. The distance from the ground to the top

of the player’s palm will be an accurate indication as to

which mallet length would be most suitable. In addition,

one must not forget the importance of the handle size,

which, if too small, will spin the mallet out of control. The

larger the handle, the more control there is with less strain

on the arm. As a result, 60% of players are satisfied with a

medium-sized handle whereas 30% prefer a larger size. The

| T H E P R O D U C T I O N O F P O L O M A L L E T S68

preferred weight and balance of the mallet is a personal de-

cision, but generally most completed mallets weigh bet-

ween 470 grams and 550 grams with the heavier range

being used by professionals.

In addition to personal taste, the requirements for each

mallet depend upon variables such as the size of the pony,

the strength, size and ability of the player, shot style, diffe-

rent playing positions and ground conditions. Individual re-

quirements dictate personal preference, and Polo Splice

works closely with its clients to provide mallets which re-

flect the needs of all players. Traditionally a mallet should be

firm in the top three quarters of the shaft, with a small

amount of flexibility at the tip. Above all, a good mallet

should feel like an extension of the player’s arm without

being too heavy to flex from the wrist. Since the mallet is

made of natural products, the variety of mallet styles and

player preferences lead to difficulties when attempting to

produce an identical copy. As a result, a large amount of

cane is used to create just ten or twenty mallets represen-

tative of the preferred original. To achieve such accuracy,

the Polo Splice team search through hundreds of canes in

order to find the exact match to satisfy each client.

Thanks to the whole team at Polo Splice, Greg’s original

high standards used for repairing his own mallets have not

only provided the foundation for his long-standing crafts-

manship career, but are also clearly seen through the dedi-

cation and eminence of Polo Splice to this day. It is no

wonder, therefore, that Polo Splice enjoys an unrivalled sta-

tus as the only company in England to produce quality

handmade polo mallets. O L I V I A J O H N S O N

The most popular mallet headis the cigar-pattern, weighingbetween 160 and 240 grams.

maximum well-beingSt. Moritz | Engadine | Switzerland

Luxury means not having to be concerned with practical matters, but to be able to enjoy the perfect moment in the company of family or friends in the loveliest surroundings. Totally free of worry, knowing that in the background there is a team who will keep all annoyances out of the way. That‘s why Maura Wasescha doesn‘t just have exclusive proper-ties for sale or rent. Maura Wasescha does more. She offers the per-fect luxury service, so that the magic of the moment becomes timeless enjoyment. That is also why the name Maura Wasescha stands simply for “maximum well-being”.

T +41 81 833 77 00 | consulting@maurawasescha.com | www.maurawasescha.comMaura Wasescha AG | Via dal Bagn 49 | CH-7500 St. Moritz | Switzerland

|72

Over uneven cobblestones, past typical En-

gadin houses, along ancient terraces and

stables I reach a gnarled wooden gate in the

narrow Brölet alley in the Lower Engadine

village of Ardez. A tiny sign displaying the

name UNA is the only indication that I have

made it to the right address. This is Helen

von Albertini’s atelier, where the artisan

creates her wonderful gloves. Voices and

sounds can be heard from inside. After two

knocks, the door is opened by a dainty

woman with dark hair tied up in a ponytail.

“Helen von Albertini?”

In response to my question I am invited

into a dark hall, where I am asked to wait.

In the long, vaulted room, the floor is also

of cobbles which are as uneven as they are

outside in the street. One wall is decorated

with old beams, to which numerous gloves

are attached. These pieces are displayed in

all colours and sizes. They are decorated

with embroidery, adornments, embossed le-

ather, pearls, shells, feathers and sequins. I

am immediately captivated by these delicate

works of art.

There is an old wooden chest in one

corner, over which blankets and scarves in

various colours are draped. Here, too, pat-

terns, colours and materials, which have

been expertly mixed and combined, catch

the eye. A wooden desk is located next to

the chest, behind which an old chair has

been placed. It looks like an abandoned

throne. Is this the desk of the artist Helen

von Albertini? On it lies a mix of multi-co-

loured stationery, boxes, small cards and

cases, as well as the atelier’s business cards.

They are, of course, decorated with a pic-

ture of an elegant glove.

Suddenly a woman, again with her hair

in a ponytail, in a patterned brown scarf

and with watchful eyes enters the room.

She warmly welcomes me with a hand-

shake and apologises for the delay. So this

is Helen von Albertini. She is wearing a large

silver ring set with a brown stone. What is

interesting is the cut – a little coarse and

cloudy, raw and rough, but reflecting a

wonderful array of colours. Helen von Al-

bertini apologises once more, as she has to

attend to a customer. I am invited to have a

look round and to explore the workshop be-

hind.

The workshop, the actual glove-making

atelier, is a world of its own. There are cast-

iron sewing machines in green and black,

standing on wooden tables. They obviously

come from another era, their simple design

contrasting with the contemporary models

Every stitch a declaration of loveENTERING HELEN VON ALBERTINI’S ATELIER, YOU DISCOVER A WORLD OF COLOURS AND PATTERNS,

REFLECTING THE DIVERSITY OF THE ENGADIN ARTISAN’S LOVINGLY-CREATED GLOVES

The workshop, the actualglove-making atelier, is aworld of its own.

|G L O V E S F R O M A R D E Z 73

made from white plastic. Later I am told

that each machine is used for a different

part of the manufacturing process. Holes

and buttons are sewn on one machine-

neat, fine lines on another. Of course this

also calls for expert handling. They are gen-

erally operated by skilled women from Hun-

gary and Portugal. In their countries,

stitching and sewing have a long tradition.

Judging by the number of machines in the

UNA atelier, I would guess that three to four

seamstresses must be working here.

One wall is lined with cutting moulds.

They are used by the atelier’s cutter. He is

responsible for stretching the leather and,

as the profession’s name implies, for the

preparation of the glove patterns. The place

is covered in bits of fabric, unfinished

gloves, wool, yarn, scissors, needles, thre-

ads and ribbons. A large kettle stands in the

middle of all this clutter. This hints at how

cold the atelier, which was once a simple

sheep barn, can get in winter. Such as on

the day of my visit at the beginning of Oct-

ober, as thick snowflakes dance wildly in

front of the tiny windows.

As Helen von Albertini is still immersed

in a conversation with her customer in the

room next door, I enter the room. Listening

to the artist explain her work is fascinating.

However, before I can pay my full attention

to what she is saying, I am overwhelmed by

numerous fabrics in various colours and

patterns, almost filling the entire room.

Glove patterns have been placed in jumbled

piles – some in transparent bags, some lying

around openly. Cobalt blue and pink stand

out between shades of brown; suede is cov-

ered by spotted leather; feathers stick out

from gaps; and leather cases are displayed.

In this room, creative chaos reigns, marking

the beginning of every new collection.

Every pair of gloves is dedi-cated to a poem.

There seems to be no end to Helen von Al-

bertini’s ideas, and the customer has diffi-

culty deciding which pair of gloves to

choose. Finally, she settles for a pair of long

black suede gloves, which are to be deco-

rated with an artistically-stitched design in

red that will be underlaid with blue leather.

Tiny onyx buttons will be sewn to the open-

ing at the forearm. The customer will re-

ceive the finished gloves caringly wrapped

in a beautiful box bound with a cobalt-blue

ribbon, accompanied by a love poem.

“Where do all these fabrics come from,

and where do you get the inspiration for

your creations?” I ask Helen von Albertini

as soon as the customer has left. “And

what does the sign mean that can be found

| G L O V E S F R O M A R D E Z74

|G L O V E S F R O M A R D E Z 75

on many of the models?”. The artist’s reply

is elaborate. The fur for the gloves generally

comes from deer, sheep, cows and goats,

and is bought from local suppliers, unless

special requests are made, such as orders

for reindeer leather, for example. This she

can acquire from traders and furriers she

knows well. The many fabrics were collec-

ted throughout the years, on her numerous

travels. She has a fondness for Italian, Per-

sian and African fabrics, as she associates

these with the cultures to which she has lost

her heart. This explains the sign that reg-

ularly appears in the collections. It is from

the Persian love poet Hafes. Helen von Al-

bertini owes him a large part of her inspira-

tion. That is why every pair of gloves she

creates is dedicated to one of his poems.

Whether directly sewn onto the gloves or

added to the gift box, together with the

gloves, the poems convey the art of love.

But why gloves? Helen von Albertini has

always been fascinated by fashion from the

1960s, by Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

To the artist within her, the gloves embody

the elegant and graceful look of that time.

And because no other fashion designers

have dared to create their own glove col-

lection, she has focused on this specialised

field of work. Her range does not only in-

clude women’s gloves of all kinds; Helen

von Albertini also produces children’s,

men’s, riding, biking and driving gloves in

various leather and manufacturing styles.

However, stylish gloves for women repre-

sent the core of her business, because they

can be designed in such incredibly diverse

and artful ways. In the future, Helen von Al-

bertini would like to complete the collec-

tions with matching clutch bags suitable for

carrying the gloves.

Of course I am also interested in how

the gloves are produced. “First the leather

is moistened, stretched and then cut or em-

bossed, before the actual sewing process

can begin,” explains Helen von Albertini.

Here it is crucial to decide which sewing

method matches the chosen leather. The in-

clusion of wedges as shaping elements for

the gloves to fit perfectly requires precision

work. And of course the precision work also

includes the decorations. The duration of

the manufacturing process also depends on

whether the leather is embossed or ador-

ned with ribbons, whether patterns are stit-

ched onto the gloves or whether pieces of

fabric, feathers, shells and tufts are sewn

on. Eventually, the gloves are ironed, neatly

wrapped and prepared for sale. The gloves

| G L O V E S F R O M A R D E Z76

then find their way to Helen von Albertini’s

shop in Zurich, to Faoro Mode in St. Moritz

and to Giovanoli Sport in Sils-Maria.

The company’s headquarters however,

are the atelier in Ardez, where the artisan

Helen von Albertini works and lives. It is well

worth walking along the unevenly cobbled

streets, past typical Engadin houses and an-

cient terraces and stables, to purchase a

pair of gloves in the narrow Brölet alley in

Ardez. Witnessing where the gloves come

from, how they are produced and how they

are created according to individual taste is

what makes this artistic craft so special to

the interested customers. In this respect, I

even dare to compare the search for a pair

of perfectly-fitting gloves to the search for

the perfect man. For both, we women de-

sire different traits, patterns and finesses in

order to meet our expectations. However,

there is one subtle but significant dif-

ference: whilst there will never be 'the per-

fect man', Helen von Albertini’s glove range

provides several suitable candidates to

choose from in your search for the perfect

glove. PETRA FAUSCH

|G L O V E S F R O M A R D E Z 77

About Helen von AlbertiniHelen von Albertini studied atthe Swiss Textile College in Zu-rich, where she graduated as atextile designer. She then wenton to study oil painting andsculpture at the School of FineArts in Paris. In Zurich, she designed haute couture andprêt-à-porter fashion for theBrauchbar silk company. Sub-sequently, the artist went toNew York, where she attendedthe renowned HB-Studio dramaschool. During that time, shedesigned her first foulard collec-tion, and then for five years wascommissioned by the JapaneseGoldwin company to design asportswear collection.

In 1998, she founded her ownlabel UNA and opened her firstshop in the Torgasse in Zurich,which specialises in gloves. In2007, the second shop followedin St. Moritz, and since then shehas also been creating foulardsand various accessories underthe UNA label. Since the end ofAugust 2009, she has been pro-ducing small-scale artistic seriesand exclusive individual piecesin her small but exquisite glove-making atelier in the Lower En-gadine village of Ardez.

www.una-fashion.ch

The company’s headquartersare the atelier in Ardez, wherethe artisan Helen von Albertiniworks and lives.

|78

What Domenic Feuerstein once recorded in

poetic texts and pictures in numerous books

on nature has been sustained spiritually in

the concept created by his grandchildren

Madlaina and Nicola Feuerstein: pure na-

ture in its ancient beauty, the powers of a

variety of medical plants that have been

used for centuries and enchanting fragran-

ces are captured in a skincare and accessory

line which is finding its way into only the

most exclusive hotels and spas, as well as

into selected specialist shops.

By now the concept devised by the two

members of the Feuerstein family has de-

veloped into a complete skincare product

line which is traded as an insider tip within

the beauty world. Many products are hand-

made in Switzerland – inspired, unique

items far removed from mass-produced

goods of anonymous origins. The soaps by

Feuerstein Essentials, for instance, whose

origin lives on in their names “Calm Lake”,

Feuerstein Essentials Switzerland:magical power and scienceGENTLE CARE

“Warm Stone” and “Good Earth”. The

soaps are lovingly formed in a Swiss soap

factory. Like a top-class chef, the apron-clad

soap boiler stands beside her pans, adding

her secrets to the blend, crafting her elixir.

From an arsenal of herbs, oils and spices,

she concocts exquisitely fragrant creations

which gently care for your skin and awaken

memories of bygone times.

Alpine herbs and Edelweiss blossoms, which

are regarded as anti-ageing elements in the

field of cosmetic research, are combined

with laboratory substances into silky soft

|F E U E R S T E I N E S S E N T I A L S 79

skincare and who wish to be enchanted

by the yearning for limitlessness and un-

touched nature, as Domenic Feuerstein de-

scribed in 1938 with the following words:

“Suddenly, something inside of us sings and

swings, a wondrous yearning for woods

and mountains and solitude and peace.”

For further information, please visit us at:

www.feuerstein-essentials.ch

creams and lotions. In addition to selected

phytoextracts, pure vegetable oils, shea but-

ter and honey, the skin is moisturised with

hyaluronic acid, collagen and silk proteins.

Feuerstein Essentials relies on the combina-

tion of nature and science and, in line with

the current spirit of our time, unites ancient

knowledge from botanical medicine with

discoveries from the latest cosmetics re-

search.

Each individual jar and bottle made of ele-

gant black Miron glass is fashioned by

hand. Embellished with a silk ribbon, the Es-

sentials start their journey, bound for people

who focus on quality, who desire optimum

|82

T WAS A MOVING MOMENT. At the 2010

St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, Urs E. Schwarzenbach

was named the Honorary Consul of Mongolia in Switzer-

land. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of St. Moritz

Polo AG continues to represent Mongolian interests in Swit-

zerland, promoting bilateral relations between the two

countries. The President of Mongolia, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj,

had travelled to the Engadin from Mongolia especially to

attend the appointment ceremony. He had sent the Certi-

ficate of Appointment to Berne, where the President of the

Swiss Confederation, Doris Leuthard, issued the exequatur.

Naturally the whole process was suitably formal, as is usual

in the higher echelons of diplomacy and politics. However,

the crucial basis for collaboration had been laid in a very

uncomplicated and pragmatic way: thanks to polo. “My

passion for polo has taken me to Mongolia,” says Urs E.

Schwarzenbach, and President Elbegdorj proudly refers to

the riding tradition and to the fact that in his country, at

any one time 300,000 people will be on horseback every

day. That means something: Mongolia is 38 times bigger

than Switzerland but has less than half the number of in-

habitants.

Tradition and passion – these qualities have come to-

gether at the Khan Polo Club. The club, founded by Luv-

sanvandan Boldkhuyag to take the sport of polo back to its

roots, is supported by St. Moritz Polo AG with know-how

and drive. “Polo is so wellestablished in so many countries,

especially India, Argentina, Great Britain and the USA; but

we should always remember that Mongolians played it a

very long time ago. It is one of the ancient sports of our

country, and one we certainly had to bring back,” says Luv-

sanvandan Boldkhuyag about the reasons behind the in-

itiative, why he launched the club on a private basis and

why he has taken over the presidency of the Mongolian

Polo Federation. Together with his brother and two part-

ners, Luvsanvandan Boldkhuyag established the Bodi Group

in 1993. This has since grown to become one of Mongolia’s

two leading diversified industrial and trading conglomer-

Polo in Mongolia:the second stage

The Khan Polo Club is established.

Now work beginson improving the

infrastructure to bring polo back

to its roots.

I

|T H E K H A N P O L O C L U B 83

The layout of the Khan PoloClub, located in Terelj NationalPark.

| T H E K H A N P O L O C L U B84

ates, controlling, amongst other things, the country’s lar-

gest insurance company and leading bank, Golomt Bank.

Now this entrepreneur with initiative is moving on to the

second stage in polo, too. The structures are in place; the in-

frastructure at the Khan Polo Club will now be built.

Mongolia is a country of unique beauty. In the autumn,

forests of larch trees cover the rolling hills and valleys

around the capital Ulaanbaatar, as if with a golden veil. This

is strongly reminiscent of the Engadin, so there is also a con-

nection between Mongolia and Switzerland where the

landscape is concerned. But as in every metropolis, Ulaan-

baatar is not just a city full of idyllic picture-postcard scenery.

From the Zaisan Memorial, a monument on a hill in the

south of the city to commemorate the unknown Soviet sol-

diers who fell during the Second World War, one’s view

wanders to the prefabricated buildings and high, modern

office blocks that dominate the new skyline of the Mongo-

lian capital. And when your eye wanders across the range

of hills of autumn gold that encircle the capital that is home

to over a million people, it becomes clear that a significant

part of the varied architecture is not made of metal, stone

and steel, but of fur, wood and canvas. A large proportion

of the population still live in gers, the traditional Mongo-

lian yurts.

Ulaanbaatar has always stood at the crossroads be-

tween the past and the present. The history of the capital

of what was once a kingdom of nomads stretches back into

the early part of the 17th Century, moving through depen-

dence on China, Russia and the Soviet Union, and on

through the socialist and more recent democratic revolu-

tions. Today, Ulaanbaatar profits from a welcome process

of democratisation along with an increase in the standard

of living. This is because under the barren ground of Mon-

golia lie many untapped reserves of natural resources: gold,

copper, uranium and coal. These resources also bring people

from the countryside into the city, in the hope that they can

be part of an economic boom. President Tsakhiagiin Elbeg-

dorj is quoted as saying that this doesn’t mean that the tra-

|T H E K H A N P O L O C L U B 85

There will be space in the sta-bles for between 40 and 50ponies.

| T H E K H A N P O L O C L U B86

The camp housing is designedas gers, the traditional Mon-golian yurts.

|T H E K H A N P O L O C L U B 87

ditional nomadic lifestyle should be abandoned, even if the

money for development in Mongolia comes from the

mining industry for the time being.

At the Khan Polo Club, too, Luvsanvandan Boldkhuyag

wants to bring together the past and the present. The club

is located in the Terelj National Park, less than 100 kilome-

tres away from Ulaanbaatar. It will be built to exhibit a com-

bination of Mongolian and European styles. There will be

space in the stables for between 40 and 50 ponies, where

they will be trained by club trainer Ganbadral Sukhbaatar

on two grass areas and one sand. “The stables are already

being built,” says Boldkhuyag, “and so is the ger camp hous-

ing the traditional Mongolian yurts.” The work is not fin-

ished, though. “We are running slightly behind schedule

because of the very hard winter here in Mongolia. As a re-

sult, the building work had to start later than planned.”

Yes, the hard winters: this is also something that Mongolia

has in common with Switzerland.

Once the stables and the ger camp have been built,

work will start on building the clubhouse for the Khan Polo

Club. Then the second stage will be complete and the next

phase can begin: in earnest the business of running the

polo club. Clearly there are already big plans for the future.

“We want to put together our own polo team, and our ul-

timate goal is to stage an international polo tournament,”

says Luvsanvandan Boldkhuyag. He is fully aware that polo

tournaments have to be held at national level first. The in-

augural match was planned for the spring of 2010, but here

concessions to the hard winter also had to be made. Con-

cessions caused by nature, which the St. Moritz Polo World

Cup on Snow also has to contend with. Nevertheless, on

11 July 2011, the Mongolian National Day, the Khan Polo

Club organised a polo match at the Mongolian Naadam Fe-

stival. The festival is also referred to as “the three games of

men”, as it features riding, archery and wrestling competi-

tions. PETER JEGEN

|88

ICK JOHNSON, a young and passionate polo

player, began riding at the age of two at a small riding

school in West Sussex. Having developed a deep love for

horses, he was given his first pony at four years old, which

he rode every weekend around the beautiful countryside in

Southern England. At five years old, Nick had his first major

experience with competitive high goal polo whilst watching

his uncle’s victory in the 1996 British Open at Cowdray Park

Polo Club with his team C.S. Brooks. Nick was mesmerised

by the speed, the exceptional agility of the ponies and the

skilled team consisting of Eduardo and Ignacio Heguy, John

Fisher and his uncle, Brook Johnson. Eduardo Heguy im-

mediately became Nick’s idol with his incredible goalscoring

ability, scoring eleven out of the 13 goals. It was whilst wat-

ching this final that Nick realised that a career in polo was

the path he wished to follow. Like many players before him,

there is a distinct moment in which the power of polo en-

chants the prospective player and for Nick this was that mo-

ment. He was enthralled by the sport; and since that time

Nick has dedicated his young life to achieving his goal.

Nick is now 20 years old and has lived in West Sussex

near Cowdray Park his whole life. Surrounded by horses,

polo and players, he has developed an unshakeable passion

for every aspect of the sport. Having played his first chukka

at Ambersham at the age of eleven, Nick has become re-

nowned in the Cowdray area for his enthusiasm and de-

termination. Now a valid playing member of Cowdray Park,

Nick has had the opportunity to play at many of the princi-

pal British polo clubs. He played his first polo tournament at

Knepp Castle with his father and a British professional,

Charles Seavill. Charles became Nick’s first coach and

coached him until he reached the age of 16, during which

time they played together frequently at Knepp Castle and

Cowdray Park. Nick was fortunate enough to have been

mounted by his uncle with four retired high goal polo ponies

when he was 14, which he kept at Charles’ yard. He spent

every waking moment with his ponies, training with Charles

and learning the key ingredients to running a successful yard.

A journey of determination

Nick Johnson wants to be

a professional polo player.

Despite severe setbacks, he is

still pursuing his dream.

N

| N I C K J O H N S O N90

It was during this time working at Charles’ yard that

Nick realised the importance of being selfsufficient and

how, to be a successful polo player, you had to be aware of

all equine eventualities both on and off the field. Conse-

quently, at 16, whilst studying for his GCSEs, Nick joined

the Ambersham Polo Academy, where he worked for Terry

Hanlon, a dear friend of the late Lord Cowdray and noto-

rious as the ‘Voice of Polo’ for

his outstanding annual com-

mentary of the British Open.

Since he has worked with so

many aspiring players, it is un-

usual to find a British player

who is unfamiliar with the unique methods of Terry Han-

lon. During training Nick recalls stick and balling on Terry’s

practice field with Terry following him closely in his car, gi-

ving instructions all the way. Nick remembers: “The ball had

to be constantly moving for each shot, which improved my

hand-eye coordination enormously, and I can still hear Ter-

ry’s voice every time I play.” Another method Nick menti-

ons is that whenever he was schooling ponies or hacking

with Terry, he had to place a tenpound note in between his

knees and the saddle for the duration of the ride, to make

sure he was constantly gripping tightly.

No stranger to hard work, Nick immersed himself in

every aspect of polo from the excitement and skill of play to

the less glamorous behind-the-scene elements. In return for

vigorous training on both the field and the wooden horse,

as well as playing chukkas with

professionals and patrons alike,

Nick worked with Terry’s nume-

rous ponies. He learnt how to

break in and work with green

ponies, as well as helping with

the general upkeep of the yard by mucking out, cleaning

tack and grooming at games.

Whilst working for Terry Hanlon, Nick acquired valuable

skills in how to manage a yard and how to prioritise pony

welfare. In addition to this, he realised the value of being

able to maintain his own polo equipment. As a result Nick

took up a position at Polo Splice, a renowned polo mallet re-

pair and manufacture establishment. There he was taught

the necessary skills to create new mallets, understanding

the effects of varying weights and styles as well as being

taught how to re-splice and re-head broken mallets. With

this breadth of experience Nick enriched his knowledge of

all aspects of polo, making him a uniquely self-sufficient

player.

Nick had his first break at 16 when he was offered a

position to play in Andre Fattal’s eight goal team at the end

of the 2007 season. So impressed was he with Nick’s skill

that Andre Fattal introduced him to his Argentine profes-

sional, Marcelo Pascual. Nick and Marcelo developed a

strong bond, and he was soon invited to Argentina to train

at Marcelo’s estancia. On arrival in Argentina Nick recalls

going through Customs and being greeted by a wall of te-

levision screens showing constant polo. It was in that in-

stant that he knew he had come to the right place. Nick’s

time in Argentina was invaluable, giving him the pheno-

With a ten-pound note be-tween his knees and thesaddle, Nick learnt to con-stantly grip tightly.

“The ball had to be constantly moving for each shot, which imroved my hand-eye

coordination enormously.”

|N I C K J O H N S O N 91

menal opportunity to play high goal practices with estee-

med players such as Guillermo Terrera and Frankie and Edu-

ardo Menendez. As a result of this training, Nick was

offered a position with Andre Fattal’s team for the duration

of the following season.

On returning to England Nick took up his new position,

immersing himself in eight goal tournaments, and ended

the season by winning the Brecknock Cup. “This was the

first Cowdray tournament I had ever won,” he says. “I was

ecstatic and couldn’t wait to play the next!” Whilst playing

medium goal, Nick kept up his work and training at the Am-

bersham Polo Academy as well as playing for Charles

McCowan’s twelve goal team, Lameri, alongside Santiago

Gaztambide and Enrique Avendaño. The cross-continent ex-

perience Nick gained that year gave him the necessary ex-

posure to take his first major step towards professional high

goal polo.

Nick turned professional at the age of 18 during his final

year of school, whilst studying for his A Levels. He was

asked to play for Loro Piana and invited back to Argentina

to train with Juan Martin Nero in order to prepare for the

British Open the following summer. This was a dream come

true for Nick, and he was overjoyed at the chance to play

with and against some of the best players in the world. Nick

spent two months in Argentina, where he experienced a

speed of play that he had never felt before and thus im-

proved tremendously under the influence of such quality

players and ponies.

The pinnacle of the trip was when the manager of Loro

Piana took Nick to play with David Stirling in an eighteen

goal tournament at Adolfo Cambiaso’s farm, Cañuelas. Ho-

wever, it was during this tournament that an unforeseen

eventuality occurred. When going for goal Nick received a

hard ride off sending his pony careering into the goal post,

an impact which threw him and the ball through the posts.

In shock and agony, he was rushed to hospital where he

was told he had broken his collarbone and required surgery.

Within 24 hours Nick was flown to England and operated

on, with a steel plate implanted by seven screws to stabilise

his collarbone. Once out of hospital, Nick went straight to

the Ambersham Polo Academy, where Terry Hanlon insisted

he mounted immediately. As a result, Nick wasted no time

in getting back on a pony and into the saddle.

Nick was resolute not to let his injury set him back. His

determination to recover and get back in the game was un-

precedented, and he returned to Argentina shortly after his

rehabilitation. He played his first team practice at Los Indios

Polo Club with his childhood idol Eduardo Heguy. Despite

his nerves and his initially hesitant play, he trained vigorously

with Eduardo and Pepe Heguy, who encouraged him to re-

gain his confidence and return to his previous level of

strength. Having completed his training, he played the

twenty-two goal tournament with Lora Piana at Centau-

ros/La Picasa Polo Tour.

Despite the phenomenal comeback, Lora Piana chose

William Beresford, another up-and-coming player and one

of Nick’s closest friends, too, to play with them in the British

Open. Learning of his sudden availability, the manager of

Sumaya contacted Nick and asked him to substitute for the

patron, Oussama Aboughazale, in The Queen’s Cup at Gu-

ards Polo Club. The one game Nick happened to play for

Sumaya, the team won and beat La Bamba de Arecho, who

coincidentally went on to win the British Open.

Following his success in The Queen’s Cup, Nick had a

trial with Talandracas and was chosen to play for the 2009

British Open. They beat Les Lions during their first match,

playing against Eduardo Heguy, with Nick’s previous train-

ing clearly having paid off as he scored a hat-trick. Ironically,

during their second league match, Talandracas beat Lora

Piana by ten goals. Whilst recollecting this phenomenal

achievement Nick states enthusiastically: “Ali Agoté played

like a ten goal player, he just couldn’t miss!” Nick reached

the Quarter Finals of the British Open with Talandracas, but

the team unfortunately lost by one goal in the last seconds

of the enthralling match. On remembering the game Nick

explains that “This was the most exciting game I had ever

played in England and the pace was completely different

from the preceding league games. Each player was compe-

ting to win and no one played half-heartedly, we all gave

one hundred percent.” As a result of the exceptional expo-

sure during the British Open, Nick was immediately invited

by Nicolas Espain to play with him in the medium goal in So-

togrande. Nick left for Spain the day after the Quarter Finals

of the British Open and took up a position with a new team

called Seven Sevens. Nick explains how polo in Spain dif-

fers from England as the terrain is more similar to that of Ar-

gentina. Spain and Argentina share the same Tifton grass,

which only grows in dryer climates and creates faster,

smoother surfaces for play. His experience in Spain was sen-

sational: playing polo, living in a beautiful apartment in the

port with his teammates and working each day in Ayala

with the team’s ponies.

Having had a phenomenal season in 2009, Nick was

awarded a polo scholarship to the Royal Agricultural College

at Cirencester to study International Equine and Agriculture

Business Management. During the winter months Nick re-

presented the College in arena polo, which is a completely

different style of play and immensely useful for maintaining

ball skills off-season. Despite Nick’s constant playing, his stu-

dies ment that the beginning of the 2010 season was a little

slower on the high goal front and he predominantly played

as a substitute. However, he did play for Clare Milford Ha-

ven’s team Jaeger Le Coultre at Cowdray Park, as well as

with Montana in the Gerald Balding at Cirencester Park.

Further into the season, Lora Piana once again asked

Nick to play for them in the exhibition match for The Ar-

gentine Ambassador’s Cup as well as the fifteen goal Brian

Bethal Cup at Cowdray Park, playing alongside Alejandro

Muzzio and Agustin Nero. As a result of his skill in the tour-

nament, Nick was asked to substitute for Lora Piana in the

British Open. The day before the British Open was due to

begin, Nick was playing for Charlie McCowan’s team, La-

meri, in the Texaco twelve goal with Sebastian Gaztambide

and unfortunately suffered a horrific injury. During a throw

in mid-game, the pony beside him hooked the fold of his

arm with its Pelham bit, ripping his skin apart so that his

muscle was gruesomely exposed. “I remember the faces of

the players around me and particularly the horrified look of

| N I C K J O H N S O N92

Nick’s knowledge of ponywelfare and the business ofpolo give him a firm interestin polo management.

|N I C K J O H N S O N 93

the umpire, none of which filled me with confidence,” he

recalls. He was subsequently given 32 stitches and informed

that not only was the injury millimetres away from a major

artery but he could have lost the use of his right arm. On the

way to hospital Nick remembers the paramedic telling him

there was a possibility he

might never be able to

straighten his arm, and he

was terrified that the end of

his polo career had arrived

far too prematurely. Nick

could not, therefore, take

up the offer from Lora Piana

and was unable to play for any other teams throughout the

remainder of the season, by which he was understandably

devastated.

Once again, though, Nick was not willing to let any in-

jury stand in his way. At the beginning of his second year at

university, he underwent various sessions of physiotherapy

and regained full use of his right arm. He wasted no time in

getting back in the game and was subsequently offered the

chance to work with Apes Hill Polo Club in Barbados. This

was a fantastic opportunity to work for Sir Charles Williams

under his motivational management team of Jamie and Neil

Dickson. Nick rode an average of 16 ponies a day and

played at the stunning Apes Hill Polo Club overlooking the

west coast of Barbados, an

experience he describes as

“magical”. Having retur-

ned to England, Nick resu-

med his studies and took

up a six-month work pla-

cement at Ambersham

Polo Academy in order to

complete the requirements for the second year of his de-

gree. In addition, he played professionally in low and me-

dium goal tournaments at Cowdray Park, Burningfold and

Hurtwood, with teams such as Montana and Lora Piana.

Throughout the 2011 British Open, Nick also trained every

day with Nicolas Espain at Great Trippetts Farm.

2011 was undoubtedly the most difficult year that Nick

has endured on his polo journey and, as a result, he could

not afford to keep his ponies stabled for the duration of the

season. He decided to turn them out in early August and fly

to Spain in order to find work in Sotogrande, where the

season was still in full force. In Spain, his determination and

passion did not go unnoticed and he was chosen to play

for Sotovila due to the patron being injured. Nick and his

team mates went on to play in the Spanish low goal Gold

Cup final, narrowly losing by one goal.

Owing to a lack of financial support, Nick has not been

able to sufficiently fund his dream. As a result, he has had

to rely on the generosity of others, including the donation

of ponies, to help him along his polo path. As a result of this

generosity and his knowledge of making and training young

horses, Nick has begun breeding and building up his own

string of ponies with the help of Nicolas Espain. Nick ex-

plains: “I feel honoured that Nicolas Espain has been so kind

as to help me in this way and lend me his ponies, but above

“There are three things which make a great player;the quality of your skill with the ball,

the quality of your riding but most importantly the quality of your pony“

| N I C K J O H N S O N94

all I am grateful for his generosity of time.” In addition to

his focus on breeding, Nick continues to network at every

opportunity. Whilst not playing, he avidly looks after his po-

nies alongside his studies and continues to work at the Am-

bersham Polo Academy. Nick is determined to stay within

the high goal circuit and earn money in all aspects of polo.

As such he spends every available moment working at mat-

ches, assisting grooms with the ponies and renting his own

ponies to high goal umpires to cover costs.

From a very early age Nick’s dream has been to be a pro-

fessional polo player; however, unlike many of his more for-

tunate peers, he realises what a near-impossibility this is

without firm financial backing. Despite this, his determina-

tion has not foundered and he is still set on making the ne-

cessary contacts and pursuing his dream. Nick is hoping to

have reached five goals by his mid-twenties and plans to

become an established professional player. He is also eager

to bring more patrons to the sport by sharing his passion,

stating that “Polo relies on patrons, without whom the

sport would not exist and could not continue, especially in

such economically turbulent times.” Nick is currently in con-

tact with La Varzea Polo Club in Lisbon and aims to boost

the status of Portuguese polo by encouraging British pa-

trons to escape from the cold English winter in Portugal.

This will enable players of all levels to continue playing

throughout the year, as well as heightening the popularity

of Portuguese polo and increasing the status of La Varzea

Polo Club to that of Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande.

Above all, Nick’s principal focus has always been the po-

nies. His fascination here and his experience of breeding

and making young horses has given Nick a deep under-

standing of this stunning animal. Horses are his great love,

a love that is clearly conveyed on the field through his cons-

cientious style of play and his awareness of how his play

will affect the pony. He adores polo; but at the heart of this

is his love for the animal that makes the sport possible. For

Nick, the ponies’ welfare is at the centre of all aspects of

the sport. “There are three things which make a great

player,” he says. “The quality of your skill with the ball, the

quality of your riding but most importantly the quality of

your pony. The first concern has to be the ponies, as the

game would not exist without them. Even if you’re the best

rider in the world, you could not become a ten goal player

on a donkey!”

Having realised the very real difficulties of becoming a

successful professional polo player, Nick has used his expe-

rience to broaden his horizons. In doing so, his knowledge

of pony welfare and the business of polo have given him a

firm interest in polo management. In addition to his ever-

present desire to continue to play polo professionally, it is

now Nick’s ambition to become the manager of a presti-

gious polo club, utilising his personal and professional ex-

perience as well as his university education to achieve his

goal. OLIVIA JOHNSON

Horses are Nick’s great love,and the ponies’ welfare isat the centre of all his poloactivities.

| 95

Polo equipmentTHE IMPORTANCE OF ENSURING SAFETY FOR PLAYERS AND HORSES

Bandages

Saddle

Braided tail

Mallet

Knee pads

Martingale

Bandages

Helmet

Snaffle bridle

Boots

At first sight, polo looks fairly simple. However,the written rules of the game, governing all themoves and rights of way, are voluminous. Thesafety of the ponies and their riders is accordedthe very highest priority, in addition to balanced,competitive and fluid play.Appealing. Claim by players for a foul, often ex-pressed by the raising of sticks above the head(any action whilst appealing deemed to be ex-cessive, particularly ‘helicoptering’ the stickabove the head, can be penalised).Backhand. Changing the direction of play bysending the ball in the opposite direction.Bandages. The protective wraps the ponieswear on their legs.Ball. Must be within the limits of 7.6 to 8.9 cmin diameter and 100 to 128 grams in weight. Apolo ball is usually made of a hard, solid plastic.The air-filled ball used on snow is bigger (16 to19 cm in diameter) and heavier, approximately170 grams.Bump. When a player directs his pony into theside of an opponent’s pony to disrupt his shot.Check and turn. To stop the pony and then turn(safely of course!).Chukka (or chukker). Term used for a period ofplay in polo, derived from the Indian Sanskritword chakra, meaning “circle” or “wheel”. De-pending on the format of the tournament, apolo match consists of four, five or six chukkas.In Europe, a low goal match normally consistsof four chukkas, each lasting 7.5 minutes. Thelast chukka of the game lasts exactly seven min-utes. A pony can be played in no more than twochukkas in any one match, and not in conse-cutive chukkas. This means that ponies arechanged between chukkas.Conformation. The outward appearance of thepolo pony.Cross-breeding. Refers to the cross-breeding ofdifferent types of horses. Polo ponies are some-times a cross-breed between Criollos (an Ar-gentine breed) and thoroughbreds (from Britain,Australia or New Zealand).Direction of play. The game has one curioustradition, which always confuses newcomers topolo. Whenever a goal is scored, the directionof play switches. The rule traces its origin to thehotter climes of the British Empire. Playingagainst a low and dazzling sun put one team at

a decisive disadvantage. The rule also preventsexcessive damage to the turf at the weakerteam’s goalmouth due to one-way play.Field. Usually 300 yards long by 160 yards wide(274 mx 182 m) and outlined by ’boards’ (wood-en planking that acts as a boundary to the field).The ground must be firm and constantly main-tained. Polo on snow is played on smaller fields,as the physical strain of playing winter polo,mostly at higher altitudes, is greater for the po-nies than in summer polo on grass. The goal hasuprights but no crossbar, and is 7.3 metres wide.Goal. Any time the ball crosses the line betweenthe goal posts, regardless of who (including po-nies) knocks it through.Goal judge. An official goal observer appointedto signal by waving a flag over the head if a goalis scored, or under the waist if not a goal, andthen pointing to one side or the other of thegoal to signal a ‘hit in’.Handicap. Depending on aptitude, each poloplayer plays with a handicap ranging from -2 to+10. Whilst the entry level of -2 denotes a be-ginner, very few players in the world hold thehighest possible handicap of +10, and most ofthese are Argentinians. A player’s handicap is as-signed annually by their peers and their federa-tion, according to their performance. However,it can vary depending on which country he orshe is playing in.Helmet. A piece of protective headgear wornby all players and the umpires. The original polohelmet was reminiscent of the tropical helmet

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The terminology of poloSOME BASIC DEFINITIONS AND RULES TO HELP SPECTATORS ENJOY WATCHING A POLO MATCH

THE TIMELINE OF POLOIN ST. MORITZ

1899 The first polo field is laidout in St. Moritz Bad, aftersome British cavalry officersplayed polo as part of their mi-litary training and as a leisureactivity. This makes St. Moritzone of the cradles of polo in

continental Europe. Shortlybefore the first-ever alpinepolo match is due to be held,the cavalry officers receive or-ders to sail for South Africa,where the Boer War is beingfought. Interest in the sport ofpolo ebbs away in St. Moritzand no further games areplayed.

1959 The St. Moritz Polo Clubis founded under the chair-manship of Dr. P. R. Berry. Thefounder members include An-drea Badrutt, Peter Kaspar andColonel Lodi, from Rome. 1960 – 1964 A major interna-tional polo tournament is heldin St. Moritz each summer, in-volving teams from Argentina,

|G L O S S A R Y 97

worn by English officers in India during the co-lonial period.High goal. Highest of the three levels of com-petition. High goal polo is considered to be forteams rated eighteen goals or over in total han-dicap.Hit in. After the ball crosses the backline, thedefending team hits the ball back into play fromtheir own backline.Hook. Catching an opponent’s stick in its swingbelow the level of the player’s shoulder, in orderto ‘leave’, or so that he or she can turn the ballfor a teammate.Leave. To ride past the ball so that a teammatebehind can hit it (often shouted during a pas-sage of play).Line of the ball. The fundamental and most im-portant rule of the sport of polo is known as the‘right of way’ (ROW). Whenever the ball is inplay, a right of way exists and is always deemed

to be held by the player who is established on,or at the closest angle to, the line of the ball(LOB = the extended path along which the ballhas travelled, or is travelling). No other playermay enter or cross this ROW, unless this is doneat a safe distance. Players may not position or

check their ponies over the line if thisposes the slightest risk of collision withthe player who currently has ROW.Low goal. Lowest of the three levelsof competition. Low goal polo is con-sidered to be for teams rated at orunder eight goals in total handicap.Medium goal. Middle of the three le-vels of competition. Medium goal polois considered to be for teams ratedfrom thirteen to fifteen goals in totalhandicap.Officials. Two mounted umpires domost of the officiating, with a ‘thirdman’ or referee, who places themsel-ves on the side-lines at the middle ofthe field, having the final say in anydispute between the umpires.Patron. A person (who usually alsoplays) who puts together the team and

usually pays for the bulk of the expenses.Pass. To hit the ball forward, backwards or lat-erally to a teammate.Penalty. Numbered from 1 to 10, usually con-sisting of a free hit awarded to the team thathas been fouled, from a set distance determinedby the severity of the foul committed.Polo. Derived from “Pulu”, the Tibetan word for“ball”.Pony. The present-day polo pony, at a height ofbetween 14.5 (more commonly known as 14.2,in other words, 14 hands and 2 inches) to 16hands, or 155 to 160 cm, far exceeds a normalpony’s height. It traces its pedigree back to thecrossing of the original Himalayan mountain po-nies (13 hands or less – 125 to 135 cm), the Ma-nipuris of Assam, with English or AmericanThoroughbreds, Arabians and others, especiallySouth American stud horses. Although pure-bred thoroughbreds are also highly sought after,the Argentinian polo breed (Criollo) often cross-bred with thoroughbreds, still dominates. Thesetough little horses are masters of the suddenburst of speed. Brave and pugnacious, they are

Italy, the USA and England.The event attracts 3,000 to4,000 spectators each year,from the Engadin and wellbeyond. The only player fromthe Engadin at this time – infact from the whole of Swit-zerland – is Christian Mathis.1965 The polo pitch is con-verted into a high-altitude trai-

ning centre for athletes com-peting in the 1968 SummerOlympics in Mexico City. Forthe time being, this puts anend to polo in St. Moritz.1985 On the 26th and 27th ofJanuary, the St. Moritz PoloClub organises and hosts theworld premiere of the CartierPolo World Cup on Snow on

the frozen St. Moritz Lake. The unique white arena on thelake passes its initiation as apolo field with flying colours. 1991 – 1995 After much hardwork the Club lays out a newpolo field, the “San GianEquestrian Sports Field“ in St.Moritz Bad. In 1992 the Fede-ration of International Polo

| G L O S S A R Y98

(FIP) decides to hold the 1993European Championships andthe 1995 World Cup in St.Moritz. St. Moritz thus beco-mes the only place in theworld where polo is playedboth on snow in winter andon grass in summer.1996 Arrangements are madefor the building rights to the

San Gian Equestrian SportsField to revert to the municipal-ity of St. Moritz. The site hasproved unexpectedly costly tolay out and equip. This, andreinstatement work after theWorld Cup and other events,place the Club in dire financialstraits. The reversion of thebuilding rights is a help in

overcoming these problems.1999 – 2004 Urs E. Schwar-zenbach takes over the organi-sation of the Cartier PoloWorld Cup on Snow. In 2001he is elected as the St. MoritzPolo Club’s new Chairman. In2003 the Club stages a sum-mer polo college.2005 St. Moritz Polo AG is in-

second to none in agility and alert-ness.Positions. There are four playerson a team. The forwards are num-bered one and two, and are prima-rily concerned with scoring;number three, the centre half, as-sists the scorers and aids in de-fence, and is often the most experiencedmember of the team; defence and counter-at-tacking opportunities are the responsibilities ofthe back, or number four. Ride off. Two riders may make contact and at-tempt to push each other off the line of the ballto prevent an opponent from striking the ball Reins. Polo players ride with two sets of reins –to be on the safe side if one set breaks and alsoto increase the level of control the player hasover their horse.Safety. Also known as a Penalty 6, when a de-fending player hits the ball over his own backline. Sideboards (or boards). Short boards along theside-lines of the field to help keep the ball in play. Stick (or mallet). The implement used in poloto hit the ball. The wide face of the mallet headis used to strike the ball. All players must holdthe mallet right-handed.Stick and ball. Time set aside for individualpractice.Sudden death. Overtime play when the scoreis tied at the end of the last regular chukka. Thefirst team to score wins. Swing. Hitting at the ball with the mallet usingone of four basic shots: forehand, backhand,neckshot or tailshot, all of which can be playedon either the offside (right) or nearside (left).Tack. All the equipment used on a pony.Tapping. In principle the ball is tapped on theright side of the pony, known as the ‘offside’.Tapping, or hitting the ball, takes place in a for-ward (offside forehand) or backward (offsidebackhand) direction. For a ‘nearside’ play, whichtakes place on the pony’s left side, the player hasto twist in the saddle and, holding the stick in hisright hand, bring it to the other side of the pony.Nearside forehand and nearside backhand arethe corresponding forward and backward plays.‘Under the neck’ refers to strokes performed infront of, or under the neck of, the pony.Amongst the trickiest manoeuvres are ‘tail’

shots, performed around the tail or to therear of the horse. Team. Consists of four players on eachteam (see ‘Positions’). A team’s handicapis the total of its players’ goal or handi-cap ratings. Tournaments are held in han-dicap categories. High goal polo isconsidered to be for teams rated

eighteen goals or over, and medium goal play isfor thirteen to fifteen goals. Temperament. Description of the pony’s mentalconstitution; strong nerves, composure.

Third man. The referee sitting on theside-lines; if the two umpires on thefield are in disagreement, the thirdman makes the final decision.Throw in. When the umpire starts orresumes the match, he rolls the balldown the centre of a line-up of playersand horses. Time. An umpire will blow the whistle(and may call ‘time’) when a foul iscommitted, an accident occurs, or athis or her discretion; a player may onlycall for time out if he or she has a bro-ken tack that is deemed dangerous oris injured.Treading in. At half-time (generallyafter two or three chukkas), there is a

five-minute break, during which the public areasked to walk on to the field and ‘tread in’ thedivots of turf carved up by the ponies’ hooves.Umpires. Two mounted officials, one for eachside of the field.

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corporated as a limited com-pany and takes over the orga-nisation of the Cartier PoloWorld Cup on Snow. CompanyPresident and Chairman of theBoard of Directors is Urs E.Schwarzenbach.2009 The World Cup on Snowis renamed the St. MoritzWorld Cup on Snow to em-

phasise its origins. A new all-weather riding field is establis-hed and used for arena polo atthe Stalla Bodmer in Samedan. 2010 The 26th Polo World Cupon Snow settles on the localregion in the Swiss mountainsas the central theme. Theenergy balance of the event issignificantly reduced.

2011 Unlike previous years,when teams competed for theCup unter the names of theirsponsors, the 27th edition is a Nations Cup in which eachteam represents ist patron’scountry of origin. The Cupdrew to its climax with a vic-tory for the French team andits patron François Le Barazer.

The origins of polo are lost in the mists of

antiquity. History records that the ancient

Persians knew the sport as “Chaughan”

and played it as far back as 2,500 years ago.

The Chinese also lay claim to a polo tradi-

tion dating back several thousand years. Be

that as it may, in all probability these ancient

civilisations picked up the sport from the

Central Asian nomads whose home was the

saddle and whose range ran from the Great

Wall of China in the east to the Caspian Sea

in the west.

Certainly, the game of polo reflects all

the qualities that made the Mongol horde

the greatest nation of horsemen in the an-

cient world – great equestrian skills coupled

with a clear eye and stout heart remain the

prerequisites of a polo player till today.

Radiating outwards from the steppes of

Central Asia, the game eventually spread as

far as Japan, China, Tibet and India. Over

the ages, the aristocratic game developed

to promote equestrian and military skills. It

was ranked next to battle itself as the ulti-

mate test of the prowess of princes and

warriors.

British tea planters in India witnessed

the game in Manipur in the early 1800s in

but it was not until the 1850s that the Bri-

tish Cavalry drew up the earliest formalised

rules. In 1862, the first polo club in the

world was formed by British tea planters at

Silchar, west of Manipur. Calcutta Polo

Club, the oldest polo club still in existence,

was founded in 1862. In 1868, the Malta

Polo Club was founded by British army and

naval officers stopping off there on their

way home from India.

In 1869, Edward “Chicken” Hartopp of

the 10th Hussars (a British cavalry regiment)

read an account of the game in the maga-

zine The Field whilst stationed at Aldershot,

and, with fellow officers, organised the first

game in Britain – known then as “hockey

on horseback.”The 1st Life Guards and the

Royal Horse Guards were quick to follow

suit on grounds at Hounslow and in Rich-

mond Park, and then on a small ground

near Earl’s Court known as Lillie Bridge. In

1872, Monmouthshire, the first polo club

in England, was founded by Capt. Francis

“Tip” Herbert. The All-Ireland Polo Club

was also founded in 1872 by Horace Roch-

fort of Clogrenane.

It did not take long for the sport to

catch on around the world. The first official

match in Argentina took place on 3rd Sep-

tember 1875: the game had been taken

there by English and Irish engineers and

ranchers. Polo also achieved extraordinary

popularity in the United States, which was

the first to introduce handicaps, in 1888. By

the 1930s polo was in the midst of a Gol-

den Age, and was even an Olympic sport

from 1900 to 1936. Today it is played in

upwards of 84 countries.

The history of poloFROM THE MISTS OF ANTIQUITY TO AN OLYMPIC SPORT, POLO REFLECTS ALL THE

QUALITIES THAT MADE THE MONGOLIANS THE GREATEST OF HORSEMEN

|102

1985Cartier Polo World Cup on SnowTeam Cartier – St. Moritz1 Reto Gaudenzi2 Orazio Annunziata3 Gianni Berry4 Yvan Guillemin

1986Belgian American InvestmentsWorld Cup on SnowEurope Selection1 Reto Gaudenzi /

Orazio Annunziata2 Vlad Antoniade3 Yvan Guillemin4 Paul Withers

1987Audi Polo World Cup on SnowEurope Selection1 Oliver Ellis2 Orazio Annunziata3 Franco Piazza4 Ivan Guillemin

1988Audi Polo World Cup on SnowTeam Audi – St. Moritz1 Mario Zindel2 Reto Gaudenzi3 Adrian Laplacette4 Yvan Guillemin

1989Audi Polo World Cup on SnowTeam Audi – St. Moritz1 Mario Zindel2 Reto Gaudenzi3 Alfonso Pieres4 Adrian Laplacette

1990Revlon Polo World Cup on SnowTeam Pommery – Milan1 Colin Emson2 Franco Pellegrino3 James Lucas4 Martin Orotzo

1991Revlon Polo World Cup on SnowTeam Revlon – Palm Beach1 Franco Pellegrino2 Michael Tarnopol3 Christian Laprida4 Vlad Antoniade

1992Revlon Polo World Cup on SnowTeam Bernie’s – St. Moritz1 Reto G. Gaudenzi2 James Lucas3 Adrian Laplacette4 Mario Zindel

19939th Cartier Polo World Cup on SnowTeam Pommery – São Paulo1 Piero Dillier2 Adriano Agosti3 James Lucas4 Tomás Fernández Llorente

199410th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Pommery – Las Leñas1 Piero Dillier2 Adriano Agosti3 Tomás Fernández Llorente4 Martin Orosco

199511th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Trois Pommes – LasLeñas1 Piero Dillier2 Adriano Agosti3 James Lucas4 Tomás Fernández Llorente

199612th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Cartier – RoyalCounty of Berkshire1 John Manconi2 Horacio Fernández Llorente3 Piki Díaz Alberdi4 Francis-Michael

Claessens

199713th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Cartier – RoyalCounty of Berkshire1 John Manconi2 Horacio Fernández Llorente3 Alejandro Díaz

Alberdi4 Francis-Michael

Claessens

199814th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Cartier – RoyalCounty of Berkshire1 John Manconi2 Horacio Fernández Llorente3 Alejandro Díaz

Alberdi4 Bryan Morrison

199915th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Pommery – GhantootAbu Dhabi1 Nasser Al Daheri2 Luis Escobar3 Hugo Barabucci4 Thomas M.

Rinderknecht

200016th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Cartier – St. Moritz1 Adriano Agosti2 Cody Forsyth3 Satnam Dhillon4. Marco di Paola

200117th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Cartier – St. Moritz1. Adriano Agosti2. José Donoso3. Cody Forsyth4. Chris Hyde

200218th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Dynegy1. John Manconi2. Satnam Dhillon3. Carlos Solari4. Alejandro Díaz Alberdi

200319th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Bank Hofmann1. Piero Dillier/Thomas Rinder-knecht2. Lucas Labat3. Ignacio Tillous4. Christian Bernat

200420th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Larchmont1. Marek Dochnal2. Juan Martin Nero3. Alejandro Díaz

Alberdi4. Jack Kidd

Winners of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

|T H E G O L D E N B O O K 103

200521st Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Maybach1. Simon Holley2. Chris Hyde3. Nacho Gonzales4. Alejandro Díaz

Alberdi

200622nd Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Cartier1 Adriano Agosti2 Jaime Huidobro3 Jack Baillieu4 Johnny Good

200723rd Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Brioni1 Charlie Hanbury2 Eduardo Novillo Astrada3 Milo Fernández Araujo4 Guy Schwarzenbach

200824th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Brioni1 Guy Schwarzenbach2 Nacho Gonzales3 John Paul Clarkin4 Johnny Good

200925th Cartier Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Bank Julius Baer1 George Milford Haven2 José Donoso3 Pablo MacDonough4 Richard Le Poer

201026th St. Moritz Polo World Cupon SnowTeam Cartier1 Saeed bin Drai2 Rob Archibald3 John Paul Clarkin4 Glen Gilmore

201127th St. Moritz Polo World Cupon SnowTeam France1 François Le Barazer2 Oscar Mancini3 Oli Hipwood4 Nacho Gonzales

2011 winners Team Francewith Nacho Gonzales, Oli Hip-wood, Oscar Mancini andcaptain François Le Barazer(from left to right).

|104 I M P R I N T

ST. MORITZPOLO MAGAZINEWinter 2011/12

PUBLISHED BY

St. Moritz Polo AGVia Maistra 24,7500 St. Moritz,

SwitzerlandPhone: +41 (0) 81 839 9292

info@polostmoritz.comwww.polostmoritz.com

EDITED BY

Richterich & Partner AGFlattersatz GmbH

AUTHORS

Peter Jegenis deputy sports editor on theZurich-based “Neue Zürcher

Zeitung”. He has reported forthe paper on six Olympic

Games. His main focus overthe last two decades,

however, has been on eque-strian sport, and he does notmind whether it is show jum-

ping, horse racing or polo.

Petra Fauschis working for Richterich &Partner AG and therefore

as a co-chief editor respon-sible for the St. Moritz Polo

Magazine. Originally from theGrisons, she is very passionate

about the cultural heritageand the various artisians

of the region. Her portrait ofUNA is a case in point.

Hansjörg Ruhis a swiss journalist who saysabout himself «writing is mypassion». He was in charge

for various leading swissnews-papers and for

radio stations. Besides this, he worked as a chief editor for a famous special interest

magazine.

Thomas Freiis a passionate rider and hip-

pologist from Switzerland. Fordecades he has been active aseditor-in-chief, publisher andeditor of various equestrian

publications.

Olivia Johnsonis a British journalist. She haslived close to Cowdray ParkPolo Club most of her life

and has thus been immersedin a polo environment for

many years.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Unless otherwise credited,photos are supplied by cour-

tesy of the authors. Every effort has been made to trace

copyright holders and any who have not been con-tacted are invited to get intouch with the Publisher or

Editor.

Giancarlo Cattaneowww.fotoswiss.com

Pages 6, 8, 9, 10.

Allessandro Della Bellawww.dellabella.ch

Pages 45 (bottom 2), 46 (bot-tom 2), 47 ( bottom 3),

48 (bottom 2), 49 ( bottom 3),51 (bottom)

Daniel MartinekPages 32, 35, 39, 70, 80.

Tony Ramirez,www.imagesofpolo.com:Pages 11, 52, 55, 56, 57,

59 (2), 61, 62 (2), 63, 64 (2),65, 66, 67, 68.

Frank Sorgewww.galoppfoto.dePages 12, 22, 100.

Marc van SwollPages 25, 26, 27 (2), 28, 30, 31, 43, 45, 46, 47,

48, 49, 51.

Patricia von Ahwww.patriciavonah.com

Pages 72, 73, 74 (6), 75 (2),76 (3), 77 (2).

Clive BennettPages 89, 90, 91, 92,

93, 94.

Filip ZuanPages 2, 5.

CONCEPT AND DESIGN

Herzog Design,Sonneggstrasse 76,

8006 Zurich, Switzerland

PRINTED BY

Grafisches Centrum CunoGmbH & Co. KG

Gewerbering West 2739240 Calbe (Saale)

Print run: 35,000

COPYRIGHT

All rights reserved.No part of this magazine maybe translated, reprinted or re-

produced or utilised in anyform either in part or whole orby any electronic, mechanicalor other means, now knownor hereafter invented, includ-ing photocopying and record-

ing, or in any informationstorage and retrieval system,without prior permission of

the Publisher.

See you at the

28th St. MoritzPolo World Cup on Snow 26th to 29th January 2012

29th St. MoritzPolo World Cup on Snow 24th to 27th January 2013

Performance, strategy and passion

A first-class polo team combines performance, strategy and passion to provide a thrilling match. A first-class bank combines these qualities to ensure your long-term success.

Sal. Oppenheim is proud to be team sponsor at the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow from 26 – 29 January 2012.

bank sal. oppenheim jr. & cie. (switzerland) ltd.uraniastrasse 28 8022 zurich phone +41 44 214 22 14 fax +41 44 211 10 85

www.oppenheim.ch