SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
1
Thursday, April 02 2015 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Battle on the Beach

Kerstie playing beach polo while a yacht is anchored nearby. (Photo by Sheryel Aschfort, The Polo Papparazzi)

Kerstie playing beach polo while a yacht is anchored nearby.
(Photo by Sheryel Aschfort, The Polo Papparazzi)

By Kerstie Allen

Last year, the 10th Miami Beach Polo World Cup was played just an hour down the turnpike from Wellington, Florida. With Miami being one of my favorite destinations, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play in the sand for my very first time. Although I had originally planned to head West to Texas and California for the upcoming season, I decided to stay and play beach polo. I asked around and was fortunate enough to find two other players who wanted to form a team.

Beach polo is a combination of grass and arena polo. It’s played on beaches all over the world from Spain to Australia to England and Dubai.

After rolling out a flat area of the local beach, tents and seating were set up around the field. The arena had side boundaries so spectators could get an up-close and personal feel of the action, but had open ends and goal posts like a grass field. The area we played in was smaller than a regular polo arena with much more difficult terrain. It was literally a sand pit.

We used brightly colored Pro Chukker arena balls to help with visibility for both the players and spectators. Also, like arena polo, we only played with three players, unlike the four-man teams that play on the grass fields. All of the other tack and equipment were the same. The aim of the game: shoot a goal. Highest score wins.

Kerstie battles in the sun and sand. (Photo by Sheryel Aschfort, The Polo Papparazzi)

Kerstie battles in the sun and sand.
(Photo by Sheryel Aschfort, The Polo Papparazzi)

We had the good fortune to be sponsored by a fantastic company, Fontainebleau Aviation. After a few meetings, the Fontainebleau Aviation Polo Team was born. We even got to do a photo shoot at their hangar in front of a Gulfstream IV jet with our horses! Going into the tournament, we were the underdog, as neither me nor my two teammates had never played beach polo before, so we weren’t sure exactly what to expect. Miami’s skyline on one side and the crisp white sand, stunning crystal-blue ocean dotted with multi-million-dollar yachts on the other made for a spectacular backdrop.

It was a large event with hundreds of people buzzing around the beach and arena walls while they played the American national anthem, all of them just as anxious as myself to see what was about to unfold. I knew the crowd wanted a show, and being the only professional on our team, it was going to be up to me to figure the game out quickly.

The sand was deep as the umpire threw in the ball to start the game. My days of scooping the ball up with my polocrosse racket came into play as I proceeded to scoop and hit the ball toward the goal. It was a little slower paced than I had been playing but my technique paid off and after winning all our games we went on to the finals.

Kerstie in the 10th Miami Beach Polo World Cup. (Photo by Sheryel Aschfort, The Polo Papparazzi)

Kerstie in the 10th Miami Beach Polo World Cup.
(Photo by Sheryel Aschfort, The Polo Papparazzi)

Somehow, between the endless battle of sun, wind, sand and some furious competition, I scored seven goals and we won the World Cup Finals 7–1. I won MVP and my beloved pony Kiwi won Best Playing Pony for her efforts. The crowd was chanting in awe at the conclusion of the event, especially the adult section. I think it was due in part to the endless supply of free alcohol samples from the several liquor companies that were sponsoring the event. For me, this was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Kerstie takes part in the beach polo action. (Photo by Sheryel Aschfort, The Polo Papparazzi)

Kerstie takes part in the beach polo action.
(Photo by Sheryel Aschfort, The Polo Papparazzi)

As the sun went down, we headed to our after-party, held on a lavish $20 million yacht brought to the event by the Cambridge Yacht Group. I’d noticed the yacht when we first arrived at the event, as it was anchored about 100 yards out from the coastline. As we all sat on the yacht, I looked back at the magnificent setting and couldn’t believe the journey of this weekend’s event.

“Sometimes on the way to your dream, you get lost and find another dream.” Keep Riding …

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: 10th Miami Beach Polo World Cup, beach, kerstie-allen, miami, polo

What you can read next

Marti Hohmann: Loving Dogs and Dressage
StableStrides: Equine-Assisted Therapy as a First Choice, Not a Last Resort
What Does the Fox Say?

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself The spor A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself 
The sport of eventing is a demanding and mentally challenging discipline that requires a combination of physical and mental fortitude from both the rider and horse. While having a coach can be incredibly beneficial, self-coaching can also play a crucial role in a rider’s success.

I think that given the opportunity, most riders would like to be coached every day. The reality of life in the horse world, however, is that the majority of us need to absorb as much from the lessons we have on a limited basis and then practice those skills at home to improve.

When I am riding, I try to have a plan for the horses each day and focus on what I’m looking to achieve. It’s important to be aware of the steady improvements rather than trying to solve everything all at once. This is especially important when teaching horses new movements or exercises that they might struggle with, and we need to give them time to learn and understand what we are asking for.

I have a couple of quotes that I use regularly when I’m teaching, and these are mottos that I hold myself to in my daily work as well.

The first is, “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.” This is a quote that was said to me many years ago when I was still motor racing and I keep it in the back of my mind each day. It’s easy to get stuck doing the same thing every day with your horse and bad habits are hard to break, from both riders and horses!

This leads me to my next quote, which is, “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something else.” It really is as simple as that! Many riders I see keep asking a horse to do something the same way over and over with an ongoing negative response and they wonder why things don’t get better. In these circumstances, I recommend that the rider change something, even if it’s wrong.

Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio! Don’t forget to keep your eye out for our April subscription!
📸Photo by Alex Banks Photography
The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here and we are so excited to feature three-day eventer Liz Halliday on the cover! Big thanks to photographer Melissa Fuller for the beautiful photo of Liz and Cooley Nutcracker- Liz Halliday-Sharp - HS Eventing. Liz and her horses have taken the eventing world by storm - and find out how Liz is at the top of the sport as a female eventer! As the horse world gears up for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event 2023, it's the perfect time to enjoy our eventing issue!! We also feature eventer and woman entrepreneur Frankie Thieriot Stutes, who is not only an eventer, but also runs Athletux and FRANKIE CAMERON handbags and accessories. And don't miss our eventing story on Robert "Bobby" Costello, who will be leading the US Eventing team to the 2024 Paris Olympics- and US Equestrian has named Bobby the eventing technical advisor/chef d'equipe!! Liz, Frankie and Bobby all have GREAT stories - don't miss any of them and don't forget to get your tickets for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day event! We are also excited to introduce you to hunter-jumper rider Casey Lorusso Smith, who is not only a talented rider but also a psychotherapist and incorporates horses into her career. If you are up for adventure, then read the story on dressage rider Priscilla Baldwin who certainly doesn't let any grass grow under her feet! We also head to the west coast to catch up with hunter-jumper trainer Jim Hagman of Elvenstar Farm, we feature beautiful art by equestrian artist Tammy Tappan, and we get to know Miranda Jones and her family. Miranda is not only an attorney who spends a lot of time in the courthouse, but she's a rider and spends lots of time riding, and is joined by her daughters also! We are excited to feature Stephanie Lightner in our Unbridled column, and don't miss our columnists George Williams, Robert R.L. Jacobs and Margie Sugarman! It's a great issue - and you can read it online, but don't forget to go to the website and order a subscription and get every issue delivered to your mailbox!! Enjoy this issue and enjoy the ride: Link in bio!!
It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn s It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn set up with a Pyranha SprayMaster Misting System. 
✅Provides whole barn insect control! 
✅Easy to install with basic tools!
✅Electric pump & programmable automatic timer!

Get yours today!
@pyranhalife

#pyranhalife #madeintheusa #pyranha #equestrian #horselife #horselifestyle #barncare
Marie Meyers has been around the world because of Marie Meyers has been around the world because of dressage, but it’s her farm in Moorpark, California, that has captured her heart. The farm and the business that thrives there represent Marie’s lifelong journey—a journey made up of good friends, spectacular horses and relationships made to last.

Marie was raised in Southern California, and spent her childhood playing just about every sport under the sun, but she didn’t discover riding until she was 14 years old. “I loved animals so much, so I started taking lessons. I did jumping at first, but I was very bad at that, for sure!” Marie laughed.

After some time, Marie moved on to take lessons at Foxfield Riding Academy and began riding dressage. “I fell into dressage by accident,” Marie said, “At the beginning, I thought it was extremely boring, but then I got hooked. By the time I graduated from high school, I had plans to travel to England to work for Franz Rochowansky, a former head of the Spanish Riding School.”

In 1988, Marie’s hard work paid off, and the pair was selected as alternates for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. “They didn’t take the alternates that year, so we didn’t go to Seoul, but the experience, the training and the European Tour afterwards set me up for the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden,” Marie said.

In addition to having success representing her country, Marie was busy with her life—marriage, a business, teaching lessons and clinics. 

Learn more about Marie in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more 🦄

📸Photos by Lindsey Long Equine Photography, www.lindseylong.com

#dressage #equestrian #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #dressagehorse #equestrianlife #showjumping #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #instahorse #dressur #horselove #eventing #equestrianstyle #cheval #dressagerider #horselife #horselover #pferde #love #riding #jumping #pferdeliebe #horseofinstagram #horsebackriding #paard #dressurpferd
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • BED & BARN FARMS
    Lodging/Overnight Stabling Forest City, NC/Tryon Area 828-248-4463 www.bedandbarnnc.com

    [Read more]

  • DARLENE STREIT
    The Corcoran Group Broker Associate Your Guide to Wellington Luxury & Equestrian Properties 561.531.2727 darlene@darlenestreit.com DarleneStreit.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island
  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Will Coleman Retains Yanmar America CCI4*-S Lead in Dramatic Show Jumping at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International
  • First edition of the World Sport Horse Sales was a hit with $410.000 for the most expensive horse
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp Takes Third Victory in $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

Category

Recent Posts

  • April 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Building a Bond With a New Horse

    By Margie Sugarman I just bought a new horse. I...
  • Developing Healthy Relationships With Your Barnmates

    By Rob Jacobs The purpose of this month’s colum...
  • The Value of Self-Coaching

    By Liz Halliday-Sharp The sport of eventing is ...
  • Unbridled With Annette Longenecker

    By Britney Grover  Annette Longenecker wasn’t j...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!