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94 SIDELINES MAY 2011 FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE P O L O

Five Questions with Trevor Allen

By Danika Rice

The future of American polo has been pushed into primary focus for the United States PoloAssociation with the development of the Team USPA program. In its inaugural year, Trevor Allen jumped at the chance to further his skills and career opportunities working alongside American super-stars like Jeff Blake, Kris Kampsen and Tommy Biddle as an elected member of the team. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Trevor has traded snowboards for sandal tan lines and slipped easily into the laid back Wellington, Florida lifestyle after moving closer to the epicenter of the top polo in the United States. Consumed by a dedication for the sport he loves, this young 2-goal player is already well-traveled, with seasons in Florida, Kentucky, Colorado and Texas under his belt at just 23 years of age. Coming from a polo family, Trevor has worked alongside father Ron (former manager of The Villages Polo Club near Ocala, Florida), learning polo as a business, marketing himself and his horses as a complete package of hard work and talent. Beginning his 2011 season with tournaments at Hobe Sound, Gulfstream and The International Polo Club of Palm Beach, Sidelines caught up with Trevor in the middle of a busy season in Florida to discuss ambition, goals and passion for the sport he loves.

Sidelines: What do you enjoy most about playing polo professionally?

TA: I love the thrill, excitement and adrenaline of the game. I think it is also amazing the way a human athlete and an equine athlete can perform in such perfect harmony. There are not many other opportunities for that kind of connection and competition to happen at the same time.

Sidelines: Most memorable polo game you’ve ever played and why?

TA: It has to be the semi fnals of the 12 goal in the spring of 2010. I was playing for the Rockin P team in Houston, Texas and our team played very well. The game was very open and running. We played against a tough opponent but our precise teamwork and well executed plays paid off. Our entire team worked very hard for the win and my horses played amazing! It was a really great feeling to win that game.

Sidelines: Who is your biggest infuence, on or off the polo feld?

TA: On and off the feld my biggest infuence has always been my father. He got me started riding when I was 3 years old and then I got hooked on polo. He has always been there to teach me or give me advice whether it’s related to polo or just life in general.

Sidelines: If you weren’t playing polo, what would you be doing?

TA: That’s a really good question! Since I was young I always wanted to be a pro polo player so I have always put all my focus and energy into polo and my horses. But I think if I wasn’t playing polo I would be doing some kind of water sport, I’ve always loved the ocean or a lake so I guess I would be doing something on the water.

Sidelines: What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish in your polo career?

TA: I hope to become one of the top American professionals, and hopefully make it to 10 goals. I would also like to establish a green horse program with a reputation for excellent horses. You can’t play this game without good horses underneath you, so if I can make a name for myself doing that, I’d be happy.

Trevor Allen

Photo by Amy Wisehart