Poway Polo Post. Poway Polo Club s Official Newsletter September August 2016

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1 Poway Polo Club s Official Newsletter September 2016 Poway Polo Post A polo handicap is your passport to the world. Winston Churchill A Word from our President As the first year of our revamped club draws to a conclusion, I hope everyone can take time to reflect on the many positive things that we have all achieved together for the good of Poway Polo Club! Official formation of bylaws, structure and leadership by committee. A highly successful Interscholastic season, with great August 2016 success from Poway Alumni playing at the college level. Tournaments wins by Poway members throughout Southern California and even another US Arena Open Champion from Poway! Many new faces around the club, battling on the field and pitching in to help wherever needed. And a great spirt of camaraderie as we all succeed together. Be Poway Proud and thank you to all who have dedicated their time for all of our benefit. I highly encourage everyone to attend our September meeting for club updates and most specifically, elections of our new board. Let s keep building and make 2017 even better! Poway Polo Club Board Elections Tues Sept 20 th at 7pm at Paine St. Poway --Billy Sheldon Our Nominating Committee has selected the following slate for the Board of Directors for Poway Polo Club in Parker Scott, President Hollie Boggess, Vice President Diane Schnoebelen, Secretary/Treasurer Gillian Young, Board Member at Large Amber Bennett, Board Member at Large Additional nominations for any position will be accepted on the floor during the election night and general meeting on Tuesday September 20 th at 7pm at Billy s Office Sheldon Site Utilities at Paine Street, Poway. There will be no chukker nights that week because of rodeo preparations, so you technically should be free to attend. ;) New Member Spotlight: Gwen & Amber Bennett Gwenyth Bennett, 17, and her parents, Amber and David Bennett are just a sprinkling of the new members we will highlight in this edition of the Poway Polo Post. They live in Valley Center and are also members of another PVRA-esque riding facility, Valley Center Vaqueros. Turned on to polo by David and Sabrina Teater, Gwen is gunning for a shot at interscholastic polo this season. Gwen has been riding her entire life, and is picking up polo and its intricacies quickly. Amber, a lifelong horsewoman, has been breeding, training and showing Andalusians and crosses and is an avid Equestrienne in the Working Equitation discipline among others. David does not ride. yet. ;) If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, you may vote via to Billy directly or send an that you will be designating a proxy that part has to be in writing. Then your designated proxy will vote on your behalf. Please inform or remind your proxy that they are voting on your behalf. We are excited and motivated to continue moving forward to a new year and new interscholastic season.

Page 2 Some PCAL Highlights: Ali, Andrew and Nikki (A-Flight Winners at

Ali Mobtaker guards goal at Central Coast Polo Club, Larry Vanderploeg,

C-Flight at Poway), Parker Scott goofing off in the team photo with

Founding Members of 2016: Billy and Sandy Sheldon Drew Middleton Hollie

Gibson Esty Sweet (and family) Starla Dale Larry VanderPloeg Parker and

Schnoebelen (and family) Graydon Family Brenda Phillips Barbara Bowers

Karl Garrett David and Sabrina Teater (and family) Bennett Family David

members) Nancy Kirchhofer Laura Lilly David Abdelgawad Stacey Sluys

June: L to R: Larry VanderPloeg, Stacy Sluys, Drew Middleton, Gillian

2 Page 2 Some PCAL Highlights: Ali, Andrew and Nikki (A-Flight Winners at Poway). Ian, Skyler, Kirsten Ludwig at California Polo Club. Ali Mobtaker guards goal at Central Coast Polo Club, Larry Vanderploeg, Hannah Heitzig of Central Coast Polo, and Gillian Young (Winners, C-Flight at Poway), Parker Scott goofing off in the team photo with Andrew, Ali and Nikii, along with CPC Officials Randy and Max. Founding Members of 2016: Billy and Sandy Sheldon Drew Middleton Hollie Boggess Gillian Young Susan Harris Mobtaker Family Ali Mobtaker Sherry Gibson Esty Sweet (and family) Starla Dale Larry VanderPloeg Parker and Jolie Scott (and family) Cary Burch (and family) Andy and Diane Schnoebelen (and family) Graydon Family Brenda Phillips Barbara Bowers Proulx Family Chapman Family Darin and Nicole Bankhead (and family) Karl Garrett David and Sabrina Teater (and family) Bennett Family David Csiki Bryan Truesch Roger Sullivan Nasland Family Playing (non-voting members) Nancy Kirchhofer Laura Lilly David Abdelgawad Stacey Sluys Dani Woodward Brent Gibson Billy s Chalk n Talk for New Members back in June: L to R: Larry VanderPloeg, Stacy Sluys, Drew Middleton, Gillian Young, Shayna Chapman, Ben Martins, Coach Billy Sheldon, Starla Dale, Roger Sullivan, Mikayla Chapman and John Chapman

There is no feeling that compares to the accomplishment one feels when scoring. You know you've contributed to your team.

3 Page 3 Game On! What Poway Polo Means to Me Shayna Chapman PCAL C-Flight Correspondent I hear the rush of the wind as I gallop towards goal. The bond between horse and rider is what makes polo so special. I raise my mallet and the ball sails toward its intended destination. The thud of the ball as it hits in goal makes everything worth it. There is no feeling that compares to the accomplishment one feels when scoring. You know you've contributed to your team. Recently, I joined Poway Polo Club and was thrilled to be able to play in the Pacific Coast Arena League (PCAL) tournaments as a part of Poway Polo, and play in my own team name, Rebel Polo. The most memorable game was at Poway Polo itself. Unfortunately, we did not win, but to me, what matters most is the connection I have with my horse and that I enjoyed playing. My team, Rebel Polo, consisted of my sister, Mikayla, our friend Michael Proulx, Gwen Bennett, and Hannah Stock a new player from SDPC. Being able to play on a team with my friends and sister was a great experience. The other team from San Diego Polo was formidable, and we fought hard, but did not come out victorious. What I learn from each of my PCAL experiences and playing with Poway Polo Club is simple: While it is important to try your best to win, it is essential to play with grace. When we played in San Diego s PCAL, I was awarded Best Sportsmanship of the match. What an honor to be recognized for sportsmanship. I have definitely learned from Poway, to respect my teammates, opponents, and especially, the horses. I love that Poway puts the horses first. My horse, Tosti, is my greatest treasure and I wouldn't ask for any better polo horse. Poway Polo has allowed me to respect the game while still maintaining respect for my horse. Sometimes that balance is a rare find. Filler: Advertise Here Polo Horse Rentals Chukkers & Tournaments & Hauling Gillian Young Horses: Chukkers & Tourn gillianpolo@gmail.com Susan Harris Horses, Chukkers, Hauling, Tourns whitehorsepolo@yahoo.com $100 Yearly Donation All Issues ½ page $75/Year ¼ page, all issues $200 Donation Banner up on Arena Walls during all tournaments, ¼ page all issues (Must provide your own banner)

Page 4 Poway s A-Flight Domination at PCAL Ali Mobtaker PCAL A-Flight Correspondent This PCAL season s A flight was a refreshing blend of camaraderie and competitiveness.

Parker Scott, Andrew Scott, Niki Mobtaker and I joined their ranks hoping for new experiences, eager to contend for the win, and most importantly, to use the PCAL program to develop ourselves outside

4 Page 4 Poway s A-Flight Domination at PCAL Ali Mobtaker PCAL A-Flight Correspondent This PCAL season s A flight was a refreshing blend of camaraderie and competitiveness. Rumors were amuck of rock star teams compiled of Interscholastic superstars, hardworking coaches, and members from each regional club. Parker Scott, Andrew Scott, Niki Mobtaker and I joined their ranks hoping for new experiences, eager to contend for the win, and most importantly, to use the PCAL program to develop ourselves outside of the confines of our local clubs. With our team put together and ready since March, we approached the first tournament at California Polo Club in outside of Los Angeles, with pent up fervor. I arrived to California Polo Club for the first time in my life with my feet dragging from a long tiring day. We were up against Moonshine Polo (Julie Empey, Jeff Trout, and Ismael Molina) and as we got the horses and ourselves ready, we began to strategize to account for this alien arena, my physical condition, our horses, our individual abilities, and how we could provide maximum utility for one another. Parker, Niki and I stepped in for the first chukker while Andrew waited for this run in the second and the fourth. Straight out of the bowl in, the difference in arena size and the unconventional bounces made the game complicated, but with Niki s all-star horsemanship and Parker s classic physical play, we caught rhythm and were able to capitalize from the field and penalty line. The second chukker proved a worthy successor with Andrew in excellent position and Niki using horsepower and discipline to dominate. Once our tone was set, the third and fourth chukker played themselves despite crisp hitting from Ismael and physical playing from Jeff. We maintained a consistent lead and the buzzer sounded just as Moonshine had begun a comeback. Niki got a well deserved MVP, my horse, Kat, got BBP. Off to a great start for our PCAL season. San Diego Polo s tournament was a heated and physical round robin between us, Moonshine Polo again, and another Poway Team (Skyler Dale, Ian Schnoebelen, and Forest Smith of OC Polo). With our first 2 chukkers against Moonshine, we knew nothing was a give away. Andrew was able to sink a few penalty 4 s while we all attacked from the field. We made it to the next round only to find a one-up in game caliber. Forest dominated the long run with incredible horses, Skyler proved his maturity through toughness and game sense, and Ian used mallet work and opportunism to formulate a deadly chemistry. We set a strategy to slow the game down and make them beat us on the ball due to our inability to out horse them on the run. However, as the game progressed, we failed to recognize that our strategy relied on fouls that we weren t getting. We lost possession several times from whistles blown on walking and our plan to force the man to clear didn t work when there wasn t necessarily a rush for anyone to move in fear of getting called. We sat together during the break and agreed that changes had to be made to fit our situation regarding the horses as well as the officials. We agreed that the only option was to try and come out the next chukker running and gunning at full speed in hopes of catching them by surprise. Despite 2 penalty conversions for them early on, we managed to get a few off the field with me sending the ball down field, and Andrew and Niki capitalizing on their opportunities. Two up in the last minute, the other team got a penalty 2 with which Skyler, who had a perfect penalty 2 record, capitalized to bring it within one. We got back to the bowlin and I sent a neckshot down to their side but fouled with just 30 seconds to go to give them a spot hit from deep in their territory. A clean shot by Skyler blew past me and as I went to back the ball, the umpires finally found their whistles as Ian followed a distant line to goal. As we lined up for the penalty 4, we knew that it was going to be a one-play game. Skyler fired a decapitator just to the left hand side of goal and I sent it flying the other way as the clock ticked down for another victory. Next Stop: Home Court Advantage. As intense as the SDPC game sounded, our real challenge was still ahead. At Poway, we play the Pacific Interscholastic Runnersup, Skyler Dale, Garret Bankhead, and Molly Agee, as well as a mixed team of Keli Newton on Forest Smith s horses, Emma Hobscheid, and Ian Schnoebelen. Straight from the bowl in, Molly s quick stick bested Niki s power-pushing horses, but Andrew came forward to score a beautiful running goal to keep us from a one-sided first chukker. As I went to hook an on-coming Skyler, a loose mallet found its way into my lip (first time I ve been hit in the face in my 3 years of playing). As the lip swelled up and I flushed it with water, we all got a chance to catch our breath. The chukker resumed with a center hit in our favor, which I was able to take two taps and score with to get back in rhythm. Our one goal victory was short lived as Skyler managed one from the field to tie us up at 2 with the chukker dying out. As the clock wound down, a stray ball out its way onto my stick that cracked in half with the first hit. With a stroke of luck, the broken mallet tapped the ball in as the horn went off to put us up by one. Parker came in the second and used his consistency to deliver crisp, clean passes across the arena. A penalty 4 for us and a 3 for them as well as one tap in from the field put us up for the 5-4 victory. Our next game was interactive and fun. With jokes and smiles being traded by both sides, it was my favorite game of the season. Ian wowed us all with clean shots, Keli had as much horsepower as one can dream for and Emma showed game sense and anticipation with her backshots and ride-offs. Niki put in a nearside neckshot worthy of any top ten list and Ian powered a long-drive neckshot goal from 30 yards out just to keep the crowd entertained. With 2 more wins on our record, we ended the weekend. I got MVP, Emma got sportsmanship and Skyler s Madonna got BBP. The last tournament was interesting because we essentially put a whole new team out there: Skyler Dale joined me and my sister to close off the team. We played against Moonshine (this time with the formidable Kirsten Ludwig filling in) and Luna Polo (Jennifer Alexy, Forest Smith, Jordyn Smith). Moonshine and we were first to bat. We anticipated a physical and rigid game due to Julie s power bumps and Kirsten s classic style. We edged ahead of Moonshine in the first two chukkers to face Luna Polo in the next two. We anticipated a very well mounted opposition and met them accordingly with early ride-offs and open game. Skyler led all scoring with amazing runs to goal from the bowl in while Niki was a defensive all-star no matter the task. Jennifer Alexy utilized a slow, controlled strategy that kept her reserved in the back and Forest s race car horses moving up front. Through penalties, and lucky opportunities as well as a few spectacular goals from us all, we edged on to another win. Kirsten Ludwig was given sportsmanship, Skyler s Madonna got BBP (again), and I was awarded MVP. Regrettably, my season ended with my return to college at University of Virginia but the experience was memorable. Getting this opportunity to play with and against such close friends was very rewarding and educational. Everybody brought something to the field that was unique. In my eyes, everyone left those games a better player for gaining an appreciation for the tournament committee and club managers that put the whole show on. Thank you everybody for a wonderful summer and I am keeping you all in my thoughts here at UVA. GO POWAY!

Page 5 Alumni News Poway Polo s Jared Sheldon Competes and WINS MVP at the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship Copy Taken from USPA posted article.

Sheldon, Matias Magrini) with a score of 17-15 in the finals of the US Open Arena Polo Championships at Country Farms Polo Club in

Poway Polo Alum and Team USPA member, Jared Sheldon, put the first score on the board for NYC Polo and was ahead 8-6 at halftime.

Poway Polo I/I Alum Runs Off to Join Circus Seriously.

Circus, that is. He is currently touring the country with the magical cast of Cavalia.

5 Page 5 Alumni News Poway Polo s Jared Sheldon Competes and WINS MVP at the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship Copy Taken from USPA posted article. Defending champions Cedar Croft Farms (Robert Ceparano, Kris Kampsen, Felipe Viana) battled against newcomers NYC Polo (Sam Ramirez, Jared Sheldon, Matias Magrini) with a score of in the finals of the US Open Arena Polo Championships at Country Farms Polo Club in Medford, New York. Poway Polo Alum and Team USPA member, Jared Sheldon, put the first score on the board for NYC Polo and was ahead 8-6 at halftime. With 10 of the total 17 goals scored by Sheldon for NYC Polo, he was awarded Most Valuable Player. Congratulations, Jared! Job Well Done! Poway Polo I/I Alum Runs Off to Join Circus Seriously. Former Poway Polo Interscholastic player, member and all around equestrian, Stephen Paulson, has run off to join the circus, the Horse Circus, that is. He is currently touring the country with the magical cast of Cavalia. You never know where your riding skills will take you. Best of Luck in your continued pursuits, Steve! USPA s 2016 National I/I Alumni tournament Feldman Cup Champions! Jennifer Alexy, Poway Polo s David Samaniego and Central Coast Polo s Megan Judge! Congratulations to the Consolation winners in the USPA s Feldman Cup, Team Zuma featuring Poway Polo s Carina Deck and fellow SoCal player Tony Uretz.

6 Page 6 September 2016 Dates (Tues, Thurs, Sat) Events Calendar *SUBJECT TO CHANGE* Please always refer to Parker s Monday s for the must current information for the week. Tues Sept 6 Thurs Sept 8 Sat Sept 10 Tues Sept 13 Wed Sept 14 Club Chukkers Thursday Club Chukkers Saturday Work Party Needed to take down the ends of the arena for Rodeo. Tues Sept 20 Poway Polo Board Elections and General Meeting (Details on Page 1). Sept 15 to 24th Sept 25 th or 26 th Sept 27 or 29, Oct 1 Mon Oct 3 or Wed Oct 5 Tues Oct 4 No Chukkers Thurs Oct 6 Sat Oct 8 Tues Oct 11 Thurs Oct 13 Sat Oct 15 October 15 th -ish? Oct Oct Sat Oct 29 Club Chukkers Cancelled Until After Rodeo is cleaned up Work Party to Put Walls back up on the arena so we can play Chukkers Resume pending cleanup of Rodeo Club Chukkers on Mon Oct 3 or Wed Oct 5 this week so all members can attend the PVRA Board Election Meeting on Oct 4 th. This meeting is very important for the health and wellbeing of Poway Polo and its stability at PVRA. Please make Every Effort to attend this meeting. 3 Polo Members are up for reelection and we need your support to help keep them on the Board. Your vote is needed, In Person. Proxy Voting/Absentee Voting is not permitted. Bring your Spouse (who is also a voting member of PVRA). Club Chukkers Thursday Club Chukkers Thursday Club Chukkers Sat - for those not attending the Hering Lakeside Polo Club s Hering Cup Tournament USPA Interscholastic Middle School Tournament at Poway Polo Club Chukkers Poloween at Lakeside Polo Club Must be in Costume to Compete! In upcoming issues of this newsletter I hope that everyone will share your personal polo experiences. Why do you play? What s the draw? Why do you watch or support others who play? Top experiences? Goals? Etc. The sky s the limit as far as where you take your thoughts, but I do hope you ll share them! For me, polo has been a rich experience in my life, and never more so than since I joined Poway Polo about seven years ago and have introduced my son Andrew to the sport. Andrew makes our family a three generation polo playing family and that s kinda cool. I go way back in polo, thanks to my father, but didn t get the playing experience. I mucked, hot-walked, cleaned tack, groomed, flagged and exercised the ponies and that was about it. Almost no playing. But my experiences gave me a love for the sport, and after a brief stint playing in college, I have been thrilled to continue polo after a couple decades away from it. I look forward to many great experiences with you all at Poway Polo Club! --Parker Polo Valley Riders Members Only Bulletin Board

Post. Poway Polo. Poway Polo Club s Official Newsletter November In This Issue: New Member Spotlight: Ben Martins

Post. Poway Polo. Poway Polo Club s Official Newsletter November In This Issue: New Member Spotlight: Ben Martins Poway Polo Club s Official Newsletter November 2016 Poway Polo Post A polo handicap is your passport to the world. Winston Churchill A Word from our *New* President It is an honor to write this message