70 SIDELINES JULY 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
fall and when he had the chance
to try out for TeamUSPA. “These
two opportunities reassured
the fact that hard work can be
rewarding,” Sebastian said.
“It also made me realize that
nothing is impossible as long as
you work hard to get what you
want.”
Still, like many other aspiring
polo players, he faces the
same challenge: to get enough
practice and play time while
attending school. “Sometimes
I do not have enough time to
practice as much as I would
like, which can be frustrating
because I know that my lack
of improvement damages the
performance of my team as a
whole,” said Sebastian, who
has a 1 handicap outdoors.
Horses are very important to
him. “It is remarkable how the
relationship a player has with
his horse influences the results of each game so I know how
important it is to be able to find talented horses that are tuned in
to their player,” said Sebastian. “I played a horse named Zorro
in Costa Rica last year. That horse did everything I needed and
helped me win the tournament. He seemed to know what I was
thinking as he knew where to go and what to do.”
Sebastian’s dream team would be to play with Facundo Pieres,
Juan Martin Nero and Gonzalito Pieres. He admires Facundo for
his horsemanship, his ability to bring his team together to work
cohesively, and his talent as a player.
Every member of Team USPA gets asked what he or she loves
best about the sport. The answers have many similarities, but
sometimes the answer totally defines the person. This is the case
with Sebastian.
“I love that I can combine the passion I have for horses with
teamwork,” he said. “The thrill that I get when I am on a horse
coordinating a play with my teammates is something that I cannot
explain. Sometimes it is hard for me to believe we are able to
connect with each other while riding at such high speeds. The
adrenaline rush I get during every tournament is what motivates
me to take care of the horse I ride and to become a better team
player.”
Sebastian’s goal is simply stated, but speaks volumes: “To
become a professional 10-goal player who is known for being an
excellent team player.”
About Team USPA: In 2010, the United States Polo Association
developed Team USPA, a program designed to remedy the
decline of young Americans in the sport of polo by providing
exceptional players, 18–23, male and female, from across the
USA with unique training, mentoring and playing opportunities.
For more information, visit
.
By Lauren R. Giannini
Sebastian Aycinena, of Guatemala, has lived and played polo
in Central America and the U.S.A. since he was 14. Now 21, he’s
halfway through Universidad del Istmo in Guatemala City where
he studies business and marketing and, aside from academics,
polo is the priority item on his agenda.
He grew up in a horse-loving family and started playing polo
because of his father. “It may sound cliché, but the person who
has inspired me the most is my dad,” Sebastian said. “Polo has
been an activity that allowed me to share quality time with my
dad, because he taught me how to play. We share a passion for
polo so whenever I am successful, I feel like I am succeeding for
the both of us. My dad did not have all of the great opportunities
that I have had. Because of this, he encourages me to do my best
and he is always there supporting me.”
Sebastian cut his teeth very young in tournament play: 2000
in Bogota, Columbia; in Palm Desert, California, in 2004 and
2005; National Open Tournaments in San Jose, Costa Rica, in
2009 and 2013; and annually from 2007 to this year in Guatemala
in the Francis Berger Tournaments and the Roberto Berger
Tournaments.
In 2009 Sebastian worked with Carlos Arellano training horses
in Santa Barbara, California. In 2011, he found himself working
with Texas A&M University polo coach Mike McCleary, training
horses and practicing in College Station, Texas. During 2012 and
’13, he taught beginner polo players and children how to ride and
stick and ball. Then, in 2013, he jumped at the opportunity to work
and play polo with Luis Galvan in Aiken, South Carolina.
Even with all those years of tournament play and polo travel,
Sebastian’s greatest memories involve going to Aiken to play last
e
Polo
Sebastian Aycinena:
Like Father, Like Son
Sebastian Aycinena is thrilled to be part of Team USPA.
Photos by Kaylee Scherbinski
Sebastian Aycinena
