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84 SIDELINES JUNE 2011 FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE

Catching up: Debra Atwell says that playing Miami

Beach polo was a lot more fun than she had imagined, “My teammates were two seriously tall brunette models - Paula Chermont from Brazil and Katherine Campos . Both could ride, play and look stunning with the greatest of ease. It felt like we were photographed a thousand times. It was added fun watching all the men openly drool! We qualifed but were just beat in the fnals by Libby Scripps ,

Val Biehl and Stephanie Kraml-Suttle. The only way any of us could bring ourselves to say goodbye was by promising a rematch this summer at Saratoga!”

Cali Garcia-Velez checked in to say that Casa de Campo is hosting the FIP Championship Playoffs between the USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Canada and Dominican Republic

Wedding bells in the future for CSU Polo Alum Drew Luplow to Amanda Diehl. We haven’t heard if they’ve set a date yet. Congratulations to them both.  

Nicolai Galindo few in to Houston to fll in for father

Carlos who was sidelined in the 8 goal after suffering from sore ribs. Carlos was back in action in a couple of weeks, but it was great having Nic around!

Aiken’s newest hot spot on Wednesday night is Eqwine Bar & Grill at New Bridge Polo. In addition to food and drink, there’s a round robin game of Bocce Ball that’s proven to be quite popular and dare we say, competitive?

Dr. Horace Laffaye is defnitely one of our favorite writers, and his latest book, POLO IN AMERICA - A HISTORY, is one that belongs on every polo player’s bookshelf. Check with Horace or the Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame to learn how to get your own copy.

Club news: Aiken Polo Club had a fun day on May 21 with junior and all pro polo exhibitions for a total of 7 chukkers, with barbecue and drinks served all through games. All proceeds benefted the Aiken Junior Polo program.

We heard via the grapevine that the city of Dallas has taken back the park where Las Colinas Polo Club was based.

Dallas certainly won’t be polo-less: Prestonwood Polo Club is going strong or so we hear, with approximately 100 acres, two polo felds, and another going in soon, a regulation size arena and a practice arena.

Passing: It is with fond memories but great sadness the folks at Oak Grove Polo Club remember our friend and colleague , Doug Chilton , who passed away Easter Sunday.  He was diagnosed with cancer mid-December and with loving care from his wife Rhonda, he bravely fought the battle, always maintaining his infectious, outgoing sunny nature. To the females of the club, old and young, he will always be their pin-up boy, our Aqua Velva man.

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.

A S I D E S

Team USA celebrates their 15-9 Victory over England in the 2011 Townsend Cup at Empire Polo Club in CA

Photo by Cary Burch

On April 9th & 10th the Polo Training Foundation (PTF) held a free clinic for kids at The Little Egypt Polo Club from Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Dr. Rock Cato, and his wife Liz coordinated the event. Over 40 children attended the 2-day clinic. Wilbur O’Ferrell, the instructor from the Polo Training Foundation, few in from California for the clinic

The USPA chose Aiken as their spring and fall training location for the Team USPA players as well as where they will headquarter their Horse Donation Program. Current high-goal stars such as Julio Arellano, Tommy Biddle, Jr., Jeff Blake, Luis Escobar, Sunny Hale, Hector Galindo, Adam Snow, Owen Rinehart and Jeff Hall will help in the coaching for the team. The USPA chose the Aiken location due to the accessibility to high goal polo at prestigious polo clubs like New Bridge Polo Club and 302 Polo . The high concentration of polo professionals and top level competition horses coupled with the affordability of polo in the Aiken area made for a perfect location for Team USPA.

Polo comes to Blytheville