Take A Seat!

The 2016 polo season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach promises to be better than ever, with record-breaking attendance, exuberant crowds and even more competitive polo teams. In addition, the best seats in the house are now professional, stadium-style seating along the north, south and center sidelines.

The seating was previously tiered, rustic, wooden benches lining the grassy berm alongside the playing field. Now undergoing a major facelift, the benches are being replaced with new, individual stadium seats. Spectators indulging in a quintessential polo outing will enjoy greater comfort with durable, plastic armchairs, each equipped with a cup holder for the ubiquitous bubbly beverage or polo potion.

The enhanced seating is now divided by sections, with north and south seats priced at $30, and center seats at $40. Visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call the ticket office at (561) 282-5334 to reserve your seats today.

Elite Brands Align With Polo At IPC

The prestigious cache of the International Polo Club Palm Beach has become a coveted brand, attracting luxury sponsors seeking to align with the exclusive lifestyle personified by the elite sport.

Palm Beach is a legendary winter retreat for high-profile corporate giants, jet-setters and scene makers. Combine these signature traits with the passion, performance, sportsmanship and the sophistication of Sunday polo, and you have an unbeatable partnership of titans.

“Luxury brands seek out high-profile sporting events that exemplify their image, reaching target markets that are relevant to their clientele,” said John Wash, IPC’s president of club operations. “IPC embodies tradition, exceptional performance, integrity, and an inspiring sense of style and sport.”

Partners generally seek maximum visibility, impact and exclusivity. Customized sponsorship packages may include tournament underwriting, media exposure, MVP awards, signage, on-site events, a prominent product presence at polo matches or special promotions. Social media has exploded, and savvy brands are also focusing on driving digital activation campaigns and creating a dynamic online presence.

The lineup of sponsorships for 2016 is impressive, with many loyal sponsors returning and new ones coming on board, while many more are still in discussion. Here is what you can expect to see this polo season:

• Engel & Vӧlkers has renewed its naming rights for Championship Field.
• Sentient Jet returns with the Sentient Jet Challenge and is the official presenting sponsor of the C.V. Whitney Cup.
• Wellington Regional Medical Center returns as the official hospital partner for the winter polo season.
• Jupiter Medical Center is the exclusive Kids’ Fun Zone sponsor and Field Two title sponsor.
• Lilly Pulitzer takes the naming rights for the new Lilly Pulitzer Patio at the Pavilion, along with presenting fashionable, on-site promotions during select Sundays.
• Veuve Clicquot maintains its position as the official champagne at IPC.
• Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is the exclusive resort sponsor of the U.S. Open Polo Championship .
• Seminole Coconut Creek Casino debuts the exciting new Coco Polo Lounge at the Pavilion.
• Hollow Brook Wealth Management is sponsoring the members’ club and the Pavilion valet service for the winter polo season.

For information, ticketing and sponsorship inquiries, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.

Tailgating Makes Polo So Much More Than A Spectator Sport

Tailgating is one of the oldest and most traditional ways to view the excitement of a polo match in a festive and social manner. Before grandstands and tents were set up, players and spectators often parked their cars on the sidelines and let down their tailgates for sitting or setting up food stations and bars.

Fast-forward a few decades and you’ll find that tailgates have been elevated to an upscale art form at Sunday polo matches. The International Polo Club Palm Beach features 50 white tents lining the emerald-green field. Servers set up elaborate spreads under the shade, champagne is chilled in silver buckets, fresh flowers adorn linen-covered tables, and guests often enjoy the match in color-coordinated, monogrammed director’s chairs. It’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon outdoors watching the exciting and heated competition on the field.

Here’s the inside scoop on throwing the ultimate tailgate party from a few passionate polo enthusiasts who set the pace every Sunday during the season.

Palm Beach attorney Don Dufresne is not only an expert in all legal matters concerning the equestrian industry, he is also a former polo player and a consummate Sunday tailgater, with eight seasons under his belt. Dufresne starts procuring his supplies months prior to opening day and has created a savvy system to make the most of every match. “My law practice keeps me busy during the week, so I’ve learned to minimize the amount of time spent planning during the week to be ready for Sunday,” Dufresne said.

He has dedicated shelves in his garage with different colored bins that hold his supplies — from the copper bucket for champagne and wine to the silver ice bucket. For his upscale setup, he loads his Suburban with two tables; 12 director’s chairs of varying heights; two coolers; two bins that hold liquor, wine and champagne; and one bin for plates, glasses, linens and utensils. His signature statement is two flagpoles with hurricane flags waving in the wind, as a tip of the hat to his law school alma mater, the University of Miami.

What is his mix of guests? “I entertain clients, friends, elected officials, a few neighbors and business colleagues,” Dufresne said. “It’s a great way to catch up with folks, and it’s the perfect way for me to entertain and enjoy a day outdoors. My tailgate neighbors are former polo players, so we visit back and forth, and guests are always welcome to stop by.”

You can usually catch an NFL football player at his well-stocked bar, a polo player or two, and maybe a couple of MLB players.

George DuPont, executive director of the Museum of Polo, and his wife, Brenda, call themselves “seasoned tailgaters,” since they have been on the scene at IPC since opening day 13 years ago.

Brenda DuPont loves the relaxed atmosphere for entertaining, as it suits the novice spectator as well as the avid polo fan. Her system kicks into gear on Wednesday, when she starts cooking and preparing for the Sunday match. “I craft every dish from scratch,” DuPont said. “We don’t pull out bags of chips, or platters from the deli. Everything is a culinary statement, and I mix it up from week to week.”

Look for caviar pie, mini quiches, beef tenderloin, shrimp cocktail, and fruit and cheese platters, as well as DuPont’s key lime cheesecake and kitchen sink cookies.

Toni May and her husband, Tim Garman, love introducing the thrill of a polo match to friends, business associates and potential clients.

“People are mesmerized at the field action. The ground moves under your feet when the horses are thundering down the field,” May said. “Other than front-row seats at an NBA basketball game, there is no other sport where you are so close. You can actually see the facial expressions of players and feel the emotion.”

May loves to theme every Sunday, adding décor touches to match the select food choices. Opening day is “glam,” with shrimp platters, filet mignon sliders, cheese and crackers, and fresh trays of fruit and crudités. Veuve Clicquot Champagne and bloody marys are her must-have favorites every Sunday, but special cocktails are also whipped up in keeping with each theme.

As a busy, working professional, May finds that advance planning and good organizational skills are the key to making their Sunday tailgate the ultimate scene. “We keep it fun, portable, colorful and flavorful,” she said.

Val Stanley and her husband are also passionate about tailgating and have renewed their spot every season since the club opened. “We love the laughter, the social interaction, and the up-front and close proximity to the players and horses,” Stanley said.

They do all the setup each week, with chairs, tables and a grill, keeping the menu pretty casual. To mix it up a bit, guests are encouraged to share a favorite dish. Essentials for Sunday matches are Tito’s Vodka and chicken wings. For big game days such as the Super Bowl or the Masters, Paul Stanley sets up a flat-screen TV in the back of his pickup truck, and with lighted lanterns and extra food, they stay until the televised finish.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach has 50 reserved and tented tailgate spots that are rented for the entire season. There’s usually a short waiting list from year to year, but if you want to join the field-side polo parties with a tailgate of your own, call the box office at (561) 282-5334.

Fashion & Style | From The Horse’s Mouth

As the competition on the field heats up, so do the sideline spectators with a passion for fashion. Polo enthusiasts can be seen in the latest couture, casually comfortable in jeans and cashmere, and everything in between. Field side or at the club, polo finery is a dazzling array of fashion eye candy.

Always ready for the camera, guests stroll along the sidelines as if on a grassy catwalk — strutting their stuff for tailgaters, brunch revelers and stadium dwellers alike. Tastemakers, influencers, divot stompers and arbiters of style doll up in pastel hues of crisp seersucker, quintessential pink and green “Lilly-Palooza,” designer minis and maxis, fancy pants and sassy shorts, breezy silks and fanciful frocks, statement belts and bespoke blazers with pocket panache. There are colors galore and hats brimming with appeal.

Despite the hoof-beaten terrain, heels of all heights abound — Prada wedges, espadrilles, Louboutins, YSL Tributes, Jack Rogers, Gucci loafers, Tory Burch sandals, flip-flops and boots. All of our footloose friends are front and center.

The glitterati and sunny sizzle call for a cool pair of shades. The ultimate accessory is on trend at a polo match — oversize Jackie O styles, aviators, wayfarers, cat eye, sport glasses, mirrored specs and more. For the pet set, a chic chien (a.k.a. a polo puppy) is the perfect companion decked out in designer duds and a luxe leash. Adorable and fuzzy, and always a crowd-pleaser!

The fashion scene is best illustrated by those who dress the part week in and week out. On these pages, you’ll find “spectator chic” as described by the International Polo Club’s most “haute to trot” guests.

QUOTES

Scott Velozo: “I enjoy getting all dressed up and spending the day with good friends and watching a polo match. My style is ‘polo preppy’ and white buck shoes, but you need to be extra cautious at the divot stomp!”

Sally Sevareid: “Dresses are my favorite. I keep jewelry to a minimum. As for shoes, I try to be stylish, but keep in mind you have to walk on the field for the divot stomp.”

Mo Foster: “Saddle Oxfords are my favorite shoes for polo, and the accessory that matters the most is a nice watch. I love watches!”

Katherine Lande: “My ultimate Sunday polo style is a modern mix of Ivy League schoolgirl meets Jane Birkin. Effortless chic with a casual French twist. Or, a classic mini shift dress worn with a statement boot or loafer.”

Kara Franker: “My polo style is all about bright colors, vibrant prints and a wide-brim hat. A killer pair of espadrilles is also a must.”

Kirsten Braden: “I like to wear an elegant dress with a splash of color. Unless you have just finished a game, it’s a big no-no to try and look like a polo player. You have to be careful of the length and volume of skirt, since the field can be a bit windy. Accessorize with a pair of binoculars for a true polo aficionado look.”

Jack Lighton: “My style is Palm Beach preppy with a zing! It’s a classic preppy look paired with a pop of color — could be a pocket square, fun shoes, splashy pants and, of course, my most favorite polo accessory: a glass of Veuve Clicquot.”

Amy Goorsky and Bobby Llewellyn: “We each draw inspirations from past eras… classic styling, perfect tailoring and then we add a new trend. Whether it be color, hairstyle or fabric. Why blend in when you are meant to stand out?”

Ed Carter and Theresa Gaugler: “We find polo and Palm Beach to both represent a style of classic, timeless elegance. We try to embrace the same in our Sunday polo outfits. We are big fans of bright colors and bold designs, so we like to make our fashion statements aggressive and intriguing, including our hats to match.”

13 Things You Might Not Know About Polo

The “sport of kings” remains a pastime with deep traditions. To celebrate the passion for polo as we welcome the International Polo Club Palm Beach’s “Lucky Season 13,” let’s explore the mystique and lesser-known facts that make this sport so special.

1. Giddy up girl power! Did you know that most polo ponies are female (mares)? Unlike most equestrian sports, polo is dominated by mares.

2. The average age of a seasoned polo pony is from 6 to 13. At age 14 or 15, the good mares are retired and sent to be broodmares.

3. The name polo is said to have been derived from the Tibetan word “pulu,” meaning ball.

4. Polo originated in southern or central Asia, most likely in Persia, the area now known as Iran. Its invention is dated variously from the sixth century to the first century.

5. Argentina is credited globally as the top polo nation, mainly because Argentina is notably the country with the largest number of 10-goal handicap players in the world.

6. Polo is a game of numbers. The playing field is 300 yards long by 160 yards wide, the approximate area of nine American football fields. Fully galloping horses travel at top speeds of 35 to 40 miles per hour, and a ball at full velocity reaches approximately 110 mph.

7. Having a ball! The modern outdoor polo ball is made of a high-impact plastic, but was previously made of either bamboo or willow root. It is approximately 3.25 inches in diameter and weighs about 4 ounces.

8. The term mallet is used exclusively in U.S. English; polo stick is the preferred term in British English, as the stick technically differs from a mallet in shape and usage. The ball is struck with the broad sides of the mallet head rather than its round and flat tips.

9. Yerba mate, the traditional green tea-like beverage of Argentina, has always had strong connections with the polo lifestyle through its gaucho origins and tradition of sharing. Mate is the national drink of Argentina and is still consumed by top professional players, such as Nacho Figueras and Adolfo Cambiaso. Drink up and pass the gourd!

10. Fancy footwork! Footwear is just as important to the horses as is it to the spectators. For horses, light shoes are a “polo shoe” with a rim on it to provide good traction so the horses can still maneuver easily. For games on heavier turf, rear shoes can be fitted with studs. Those would be grass studs, not Valentino Rockstuds.

11. Polo is a fast and risky game. The rules enforce safety for the human players and the equine players. Riders incur penalties for dangerous actions such as bumping another horse at a direct angle or moving a mallet too close to a horse’s front legs.

12. Right on! Polo is a right-handed sport. Left-handed people are not banned from the game. However, they must play right-handed. The banning of left-handed playing in a game of polo is for safety reasons in order to avoid the likelihood of a head-on collision between players.

13. Bald is beautiful! Polo horses are primped and preened, and don’t have a hair out of place. Before every match, their manes are shaved off (roaching) to avoid getting tangled in the reins or mallet. As with any girl growing out her hair, it will take about a year or more to return to a natural length.

The Mane Event: Creating Top Horse & Rider Pairings

Unlike most sports, polo depends on the symbiosis created between two breeds of athletes: the human mallet-swingers and their equine mounts — majestic steeds that carry them to glory during the high-goal polo season in Wellington. What does it take to make that happen? Wellington The Magazine caught up with polo star Jeff Hall to get a look into the daily life of top polo ponies.

Like every professional sport, it’s a high-stakes, intense and extremely competitive athletic endeavor. The international schedule — and rivalry  — requires diligent training to sustain stamina and prowess. These select athletes train hard, practice regularly, live a healthy lifestyle, work with trainers and specialists, and maintain their nutrition and diet to perform like machines for each and every match.

As competitors, polo ponies are elite athletes as much as any human polo player on the field. The horses are referred to as “ponies” even though they are full-sized horses, ranging from 14.2 to 16 hands high at the withers, and weighing 900 to 1,100 pounds. Most are Thoroughbreds or Thoroughbred crosses, and are considered “hot-blooded” horses, known for agility, speed and spirit.

Polo is a team sport, a partnership not only between players on the team, but also a special relationship between the players and their mounts. It is a synergy based on trust, strength, laser focus and preparation. Polo ponies are exemplary team players, and as such, are key to any polo team’s winning achievements.

Hall, a top American polo player, sports a 7-goal handicap. He has been playing professionally since age 12, and as a seasoned player and horseman, Hall provided keen insight into the daily lives of polo ponies.

Hall owns approximately 100 horses, most living at his ranch in Houston. Of those, about 20 horses make up his preferred string for polo matches and travel with him to Wellington, as well as tournaments across the country and the globe. Hall understands his horses’ skills and trusts them to be worthy allies on the field.

Of those 20 horses, eight high performers will accompany him regularly onto the playing field. As with any accomplished sportsman, the key to success is preparation and training. These horses are so well-conditioned, they can stop and turn on a dime to accommodate the dynamic play of the game. Horse and player become a competitive force of speed, fluidity in motion, strength and maneuverability.

The average age of a seasoned polo pony is 6 to 13 years. Younger horses, starting at about age 3, have to play polo to get better, and won’t play steadily until, according to Hall, they are “ready for the fire of the game.”

As horses mature into formidable teammates, the pressure and intensity of play increases with greater levels of accomplishment. “The horse shows you when they are ready for more action,” Hall said, explaining that until then, rookie horses play less stressful, early-season matches, often third chukker time frames for 4 to 5 minutes.

The entire string has a superlative care and wellness protocol. They are creatures of habit, and routine is paramount to their well-being and potential. “The horses are pampered and cared for better than 95 percent of the human population,” Hall said.

The grooms rise before daybreak to feed the horses. Each horse has its own specific feed preferences — a variation of grain, bran mash, corn, barley or sweet feed, plus vitamin supplements.

Horses are groomed and cleaned multiple times throughout the day — bathed, brushed, and faces and nostrils gently rubbed with oil. For game days, grooming and preparation begins three hours before the match and includes a “manicure” of hoof dressing for glossy, black hooves. With safety as a priority, tails are braided and manes closely cropped.

Housekeeping of the stalls is equally important, and the barn and stall areas are cleaned out and refreshed several times a day. The impeccable appearance of the horses is of paramount importance and a point of pride for the groom and the player. “Not an ounce of dirt or shavings will be left behind,” Hall stressed.

Game days and practice days are vigorous workouts for the team. Play hard and work hard are one in the same to a polo pony. A typical week comprises a practice day and two game days, with ample rest time in between. Practice days include a light walk in the morning and “on set” polo play of 8 or 9 chukkers in the afternoon, followed by a light snack of hay.

When outfitted with saddle, bridle and other gear, the horses are ready to go. They are high-performance animals and know that when they are saddled up, the game is on. There is a heightened sense of energy, and they are expected to do their jobs.

Leaving the field throughout the game or practice sessions, the horses are rinsed off, brushed and hot walked until their bodies cool down. Once the match is over, the horses are again pampered with rubdowns by hand or machine. Achy muscles and bumps and bruises are treated, while fluids and vitamin supplements are replenished, then they are bathed and stalled for the night. Some players even provide chiropractic services and equine massages for their string of horses.

As horses thunder down the field at top speeds of 35 to 40 mph, chasing a ball hit at 110 miles per hour, polo is recognized as an inherently risky sport, second only to race-car driving. As a result, teams have a private veterinarian on staff who makes the rounds every day, especially after games, to ensure that the horses are in top physical condition, treating any injuries or other issues that may arise.

By 7 p.m., the horses are fed and stalled, cleaned, blanketed and sometimes muzzled to prevent nibbling on barn shavings. At 10 p.m., grooms conduct final stall checks to make sure that the horses have finished dinner and are doing well. The horses will often lay down for a hard sleep. However, they can also rest while standing.

The grooms have the closest relationship to the ponies. They handle them the most and are hands-on all day. Nevertheless, when it comes to game time, nothing can break the bond of horse and rider — both have their eyes on the prize.

Polo A Year-Round Experience At Grand Champions

Saddle Sitters Changes The Child Care Experience In Wellington

By Jennifer Wood

While she is only 24 years old, Chayse Wachtel has more than a decade of child care experience. Paired with her lifetime love of horses, Wachtel has merged her passions to create Saddle Sitters, a new Wellington-based company catering to the equestrian industry by providing concierge child care.

By taking on the difficult parts of hiring, researching and payment, Saddle Sitters makes finding the right caretaker for your child a pleasant and fulfilling experience.

Wachtel noticed a need at horse shows, especially when she was a full-time nanny for a professional family at the Winter Equestrian Festival last season.

“I saw parents passing their children to grooms or to other parents there watching their own children show. I also saw a big need for teen chaperones for the older children traveling to the shows alone without their parents,” she recalled. “I truly believe that trainers should have one responsibility, and that is training the riders while they’re on their horses. Thousands of equestrians are coming and going from all over the world, in and out all day long, in Wellington. I saw a big need for professional childcare and chaperoning throughout the circuit to keep these children safe at all times.”

At the tender age of 13, Wachtel was a mother’s helper and weekend babysitter. For the past seven years, she has been a full-time nanny, working to help support her love of horses and riding.

“My favorite thing about taking care of children is the bond I make between myself and the children,” she said. “The excitement of when I walk in and the kids are running to jump in my arms really makes me feel like I have done my job the right way. It is the most amazing feeling in the world!”

Wachtel created Saddle Sitters in order to help families find reliable, trustworthy help, allowing professionals in the equine industry to relax in the saddle knowing that their child is safe. She finds care providers that are informed about the industry, knowing the unusual schedule and long hours that come with it.

All Saddle Sitters care providers are thoroughly screened via background checks, driving records and references. In addition, each caregiver is current on their pediatric CPR, AED and first aid certifications. Temporary, full-time or seasonal care professionals are available to work one-on-one with families for the full duration of a show and beyond. To ensure the safety of clients and care providers, Wachtel developed a security system that will allow parents to monitor their children and caretakers at any point during the day.

“What sets us apart is that we are dedicated to the equine industry,” she said. “We have a non-disclosure policy and understand the needs of parents who ride and work at the horse shows. But, of course, we can help any other family in need in the area. I take pride in helping families, and it is an honor that families trust me to help them.”