Catching up: Chuck Weaver has been elected as the new chairman of the board of governors for the USPA. Chuck previously served as the USPA’s president and has also been a board member and treasurer for the organization’s USPA Properties apparel business. With a taste for politics, Chuck is also currently serving his first term on the Peoria City Council inPeoria,IL.
WOW…..the Palm Beach Equine Sports Complex used to see strings of polo ponies going around their 3/4 mile track…..but no longer! The facility hosts world class dressage, hunter and jumper riders. The addition of the covered dressage ring has increased the demand for show stalls. The word on the street is they are planning on adding water elements and gorgeous cross country jumps! Not much room there for sets these days…
In 2010, the USPA conducted a survey of its members to identify the key areas of opportunities with regard to our members and our member clubs. “Polo 2020-A Vision for the Future” was designed around a simple question addressing the direction of the Association and the best course of action when planning long term: “Where does the USPA want to be in 2020?” We can’t wait to hear the results.
Sunny Hale has announced that the American Quarter Horse Association is now partnering with the American Polo Horse Association to recognize Quarter Horses within the sport of polo. There’s no specifics yet as to what this partnership will entail, but it’s exciting news for the growth and recognition of our favorite equine athletes.
Sebastian Merlos was rumored to have sat out a game down inArgentina during the beginning stages of the Argentine Open, after he let his mallet do the talking with another player on the field. Temper Temper!!
RiceUniversitystudent and polo player Ameer Jumabhoy has been working with friend Nacho Figueras on a 2013 charity match in Indonesia to benefit local children’s organizations. Sidelines is looking forward to catching up with this polo philanthropist as he also continues further development on his “Golden Goals” polo program to benefit the Texas Children’s Cancer Center during his playing seasons at the Houston Polo Club.
New Yorknative Louis Berrizi used NYC’s Rockefeller Center to propose to long time girlfriend Cortney Severnance over the Thanksgiving holiday, just before their little boy Tristan celebrated his second birthday.
Houstonmom Jenny Vargas is smiling big as her girls Phoebe and Emma expand away from their horse interests to a season of success with karate and both head to the Texas State Finals!
Valiente’s Robert Jornayvz is enjoying success inArgentina as his team advances to the finals of the 22 goal Copa de Oro at the Ellerstina Polo Club inArgentina. Let’s hope he makes a good showing for American Polo!
Sarasota Polo club player and supporter Lydia Kolbas put aside her mallet Thanksgiving weekend and took her polo pony Bogart on the opening hunt with South Creek Foxhounds at Little Everglades.
New baby department: Matt and Brooke Sekera welcomed a baby girl – Addison Corday Sekera to the family. All reports are everyone’s doing fine.
Deborah and Steve Perry are looking forward to the arrival of their first little boy, who will be named Aidan! She’s still got five months to go, but we can’t wait to see pictures!
Club news: Ryan Boger tells us that Bel Air Polo Club played host to the Pacific Coast Arena Polo League Finals in a unique event at the renowned Los Angeles Equestrian Center in early November. Helping present this year’s event will be designer Jonathan Adler, Human Rights Campaign Federal Club and the Gay Polo League.
Three cheers for International Polo Club and the Goodman family for once again stepping up to sponsor the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach. Even if dressage isn’t your thing, this is pretty amazing. Be there!
Poway Polo Club hosted what is purported to be the first inter-service military polo tournament in history (but we question that… perhaps the first in 50 years or so?) The Air Force polo team prevailed over the Army polo team in the finals. The four teams, representing four branches of the U.S. Military and comprised of both on duty and former military servicemen from around the country, competed in a round-robin. The fundraiser event raised nearly $15,000 for the Semper Fi Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides immediate financial support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
ESPN actually aired all of the games of the Argentine Open online at www.espn3.com. So all you polo fanatics won’t have to miss a beat of the world’s most prestigious polo tournament!
For all the gossip and photos subscribe!
News to share: New baby, engagement, pickup truck? On the move, having parties, falling off horses? Share what’s happenin’ with your polo friends by e-mailing us at editor@sidelinesnews.com. Be sure to put “News for Asides” in the subject line.
