Bill Atkinson Memorial

On January 7, 2018, one month before his 91st birthday, Bill Atkinson, retired West Coast 7 goal polo player, passed away after a long struggle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife, Connie and his two step daughters, Jenny Vargas and Roxy Keyfauver, his older brother, Glenn (wife, Nancy), and his three children, Joe (wife Cordi), Jennifer Newell (Steve) and Jesse Biglow (Russ) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. “Uncle” Bill Atkinson was born in 1927 in Okeechobee, Florida. Though his legal name was Gordon Atkinson, his father called him “Billy Buck” after a famous Seminole Indian. The nick name stuck and his name was later changed to William Gordon Atkinson. Bill’s early education was spent between Okeechobee and Jacksonville, Florida where he developed his skills as a natural athlete, whether it was shooting marbles on an elementary school playground, to being awarded a full scholarship for track  at the University of Florida in Gainesville.During his teenage years, Bill’s father, Joe Atkinson, had a famous trick horse named Ot. Bill’s job was to “pass the hat” during Ot and Joe‘s performances at horse shows.  At Hyde Park in New York, Bill spoke of meeting Franklin Roosevelt as he sat in his open air car watching the performance. After the performance, Eleanor Roosevelt, asked Bill how much money Franklin contributed to the hat, then she doubled the amount.Ot’s fame spread, the decision was made to relocate to the west coast to be closer to Hollywood.  In Los Angeles, Ot proved to be a sensation and landed starring roles in the 1946 movies, “Gallant Bess” and “The Horse With A Human Mind.” Being on the MGM set with Ot and his father, young Bill meet a variety of film stars from Mickey Rooney, Elizabeth Taylor, Jimmy Durante, all wanting photos with Ot.  Ultimately, the family returned to Florida where Bill graduated from Lee High School in Jacksonville with a track scholarship to the University of Florida. In addition to his success as a runner, Bill was equally talented in basketball. As a “Florida Gator”, besides being on the track team, Bill was a high scorer for the Gator’s basketball team and captain in his senior year. He participated in several sports and elected Vice President of his university class, while maintaining an “A” average in his academics.After graduation from college, Bill returned to California. Though he had been accepted into veterinary school in Washington, he shifted his career when he met his first wife, Carol Smith.  At that time, he was playing on a semi pro basketball team in Santa Maria, CA and employed as an athletic coach at the local army base. Bill and Carol finally settled in Atherton, California and Bill began working with his father-in-law, L.C. Smith, in the road paving industry.It was L.C. Smith who introduced Bill to playing polo at the age of 27, a sport. Bill played passionately for 43 years.  Playing mostly on the Concar team, Bill’s goal rating quickly grew even though his career limited his playing time to weekends. However, he played with and against the best players of his time such as Roy Barry, Charles Smith, Billy Linfoot, Tommy Wayman, John Oxley , Michael Butler, Ray Harrington, Bobby Beverage, Billy Mayberry ; the list too numerous to mention all polo’s super players of this era. Polo career highlights include winning the US Open in 1969 and again in 1973. He also won the prestigious Santa Barbara’s Pacific Coast Open numerous times.Through Polo, Bill traveled to many places in the world. He played anywhere there was a polo field and being a scratch golfer, a golf course nearby. From the hunting fields of Mt. Kenya, to Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, England and Jaipur, India, his adventure stories about his polo travels made him a wonderful dinner guest at any table.Bill’s greatest joy in the sport of polo was playing with his brother Glenn and his son, Joe and nephews. Jeff, Larry and Greg. These Atkinson men and boys made Menlo Circus Club, Santa Barbara Polo Club and Eldorado Polo Club great polo destinations. Following his divorce from Carol, Bill decided to play polo full time. Taking himself and his horses to Santa Barbara Polo Club, he did much to improve the stabling conditions by building the many tack rooms upon the hill.People who love polo, especially those living on the West Coast, have more than one “Uncle” Bill Atkinson story to tell. He did much to give opportunities to many individuals wanting to be a part of the wonderful world of polo. His long list of those he helped along the way with his infectious smile and words of encouragement; giving players horses when they needed them, tips on their game, sharing his home, made him a super hero. He looks like Captain America, observed Eileen Duffy after looking at the photo walls at the Santa Barbara Polo Club, In 1996, he met Connie Keyfauver through an introduction by her daughters, Jenny and Roxy. They were married in 2002. “These will be the best years of your life” he told her as she was adjusting to her empty nest situation. Bill was right. Over the past 20 years together their adventures included much traveling throughout the world, being with family and watching them grow, raising and training young horses for polo and providing a program for junior polo players living in Coachella Valley at Empire Polo Club. What a man! What a life! What a loss!A celebration of Life for Bill Atkinson is planned for January 26, to be held at Empire Polo Club’s Lake Medjool beside Field one between 2:30 to 5:00. A special thank you to Al Haagen for providing for this service.Please bring your stories to share with everyone. Bill would love that.

Bush League Hangs On to Win Jason Memorial

On another absolutely perfect day in 'sunny Southern California', the 2018 Mac & Madelyn Jason Memorial was contested between Chris Maloney's Twin Palms aggregation (Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Mason Wroe 4, Mia Bray -1) and Virgil Kyle and Ryan Robertson's Bush League group (Kyle, Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Shane Rice 4).A close game was expected by most and it most certainly was at the end. What was not expected perhaps, were the rather large 'swings' that favored both teams.With a handicap award of one at the outset to favor Twin Palms the anticipated closeness was certainly played out in the first as both foursomes counted a goal and the first ended with the Maloney Group ahead by one at 2 - 1.Bush League opened it up in the second and the first so-called 'swing' occurred as the orange & black scored three times - to none for Twin Palms - to take a lead of two to the third chukker at 4 - 2.The scoring advantage continued to favor the rural group with a pair of goals to one for Twin Palms and it was 6 - 3 Bush League at halftime.Maloney and Co. created their first 'swing' of the game in the fourth period as they counted two goals to none for Bush League and the country lead was now just one at 6 - 5 going to the fifth.The momentum changed again in that fifth as Bush League scored four goals and the Maloney crew were only able to grab one. The result was a four goal advantage for the orange men with one chukker left in regulation at 10 - 6.Twin Palms needed goals in the sixth and they got three of them (one a penalty number 1) as the pendulum swung once again and counting down to the thirty second warning horn they were within one and just several yards away with an opportunity to force an extra stanza. It wasn't to be however as the horn ended play and Bush League had barely hung on to win the Jason Memorial by a final tally of 10 - 9.For the winners, Escapite and Rice (one foul) scored four times each and Robertson had a pair.Twin Palms scoring saw Wroe count five (one foul) and Malony grabbed a pair (one foul). The penalty one and the handicap award completed their total.With an aggressive effort and two very timely goals in the fifth, Robertson was accorded the honor of Most Valuable Player and Kenny, owned and played by Rice in the second chukker, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg

Thermal Runs Away to Win 30th Annual World Gym Title

 Reg Whyte and David Carlson's Thermal polo team (Whyte, Carlson, Ernesto Ezcurra 2, Felipe Sordelli 2) 'ran the table' and went through the 2018 World Gym 4 goal tournament - the 30th annual - without a loss.While Thermal came to the final undefeated, their opposition, Shannon Smull-Mendez and Lamar Rutherford's Manolo Polo (Smull-Mendez -1, Rutherford -1, Luis Saracco 3 - sub for Santiago Mendez 2, Rodrigo Salinas 3) arrived via a shootout victory.The final was a rematch of the previous Sunday's meeting of the two foursomes which saw Thermal win with little trouble by a score of 6 - 1.5. This weeks offering would not be the same - at least not in the first half.With Saracco substituting for the injured Santiago Mendez, Manolo Polo started quickly as Salinas scored off the initial throw-in. Thermal jumped back immediately as Ezcurra converted a penalty number 3 award. Salinas regained the lead with his second (a penalty 2 from the spot) but Sordelli scored for Thermal to tie the count going to the second (2 - 2)The second chukker was open and provided a lot of good team polo as both were able to run with the ball. Surprisingly, only two goals were scored - Salinas for Manolo to briefly lead and Ezcurra for Thermal to get even. The half ended with the count at three each.The third period was nothing like the first two as Ezcurra scored twice (one a penalty 3) and Whyte - with a great read - struck once for Thermal with absolutely no reply from Manolo Polo and it was 6 - 3 to favor the Whyte and Carlson pairing.With the Manolo offense all but gone, Thermal was able to keep it going in the fourth with a continuing complete team effort as Carlson - under full sail - grabbed his first and Whyte scored his second. Saracco replied for Manolo but that would be it and Thermal - the 2017 World Gym winners - had successfully defended their title by a final tally of 8 - 4.On hand to present the distinctive World Gym trophy - as they were 30 years ago - were Mike and Claudia Uretz.Because of his aggressive play on the front end - whether he had the ball or was making openings for others - Carlson was selected as the Most Valuable player to his team.Ezcurra's oft played U2 was awarded the Best Playing Pony blanket.Tony Gregg

Antelope Jr & Thermal Win on Ketel One Opening Day

On an absolutely perfect opening day afternoon - presented by Ketel One - in front of a huge crowd, Grant Palmer's Antelope Junior (Grant Palmer, Patrick Uretz 4, Jimmy Wright 3, Carolyn Anier 1) and Reg Whyte and David Carlson's Thermal (Reg Whyte, Daved Carlson, Ernesto Ezcurra 2, Felipe Sordelli 2) polo teams were victorious in their 8 and 4 goal games repectively.Palmer's win (14 - 10) came at the expense of Gordon Ross and his Remax group (Gordon Ross, Dayelle Fargey 2, Jared Sheldon 4, Felipe Sordelli 2).The young pronghorns started very quickly and grabbed a first period lead at 4 - 1.The youngsters continued the pressure in the second and then led by four at 6 - 2.Remax found some common ground in the third and played Palmer and Company even at three each to keep the deficit at four (9 - 5).The Ross team jumped out after halftime and outscored the calves in the fourth and narrowed the gap to just three at 10 -7.The fifth chukker saw Remax continue to push with success to narrow the gap to a pair at 11 - 9 and were 'back in it'.The 'comeback' however was curtailed as Antelope Jr grabbed three counters in the final to just one for Remax to present a final score of 14 - 10 and in doing so were awarded - with the exception of the very young Palmer - bottles of Ketel One.Uretz led all scorers with 10 goals (three open goal conversions) with Anier and Wright counting twice. Palmer scored the final goal of the game with a penalty two strike.For Remax, Sheldon scored five times (three open goal), Sordelli had three (two open goal) and Ross counted one from the field.With more bottles of Ketel One available, Thermal and Manolo Polo (Lamar Rutherford, Shannon Mendez, Santiago Mendez, Rodrigo Salinas 3) stepped to the line.With a handicap award of one half, Salinas took the initial throw-in - by Ketel One's Regional Sales Director Jose Villar - and scored to extend the gap at the outset but Thermal came back quickly and scored twice to lead 2 - 1.5 after the first.Thermal counted three more times in the second and the halftime score was in their favor at 5 - 1.5.The second half was quiet with the only goal - in the third - going to Thermal and the result was a 6 - 1.5 final count to favor the Whyte and Carlson partnership.Sordelli and Ezcurra counted three each in Thermal's win.Scott Niwa, Ketel One's Area Manager, was on hand to present bottles of Ketel one to the victors.Tony Gregg

Cantina New Year's Eve

Cantina Season Opening Party Fri Dec 15

The Cantina Restaurant at Eldorado Polo Club is now open and we are celebrating with a season opening party on Friday December 15 at 6pm! There will be sample appetizers that highlight the brand new menu along with Craft on Draft drink specials and 50% off entrees. A special appearance from Santa Claus for the kids at 6:30pm leading into DJ music and dancing late into the night. Come by and meet new General Manager Martin Aldana along with Johnny Catti and his staff of friendly faces behind the fully stocked bar. The Cantina will be open to the public Tuesdays - Sundays for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner throughout the polo season. 

Linfoot Polo Clinic

Click Here to download the Linfoot Flyer 2017

2018 Season Schedule & Membership

Polo every Saturday & Sunday starting January 7 2018

Saturdays 12pm at the Cantina Sundays 10am at the Cantina, 12pm & 2pm the ClubhouseSunday Clubhouse Reservations (760)-831-POLO(7656) 

Eldorado Polo Schedule 2017-2018

November
1	Club Open
December
2	Stick & Ball Field Opens
16	Club Chukkers begin Thurs, Sat & Sun
16 -17	Linfoot Clinic
21	Team Practice begins8 Goal Thurs, Sat & Sun4 Goal Thurs, Sat & Sun
January
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
6 - 14	USPA Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial8 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
6 - 14	World Gym Tournament4 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
7	Opening Day - Sunday Polo matches begin
20 - 28	Coachella Valley USPA Officer's Cup8 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun4 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
February
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
3 - 11	USPA Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup 8 Goal  - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun4 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
17 - 25	Fish Creek USPA Constitution Cup8 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun4 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
March
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays
2 - 25	USPA Rossmore Cup Tournament - SKINS Match12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun
3 - 25	USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Governor's Cup6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
April
March 31 - 1	USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Women's Tournament WCT Qualifier - Multiple FlightsUSPA National Youth Tournament Series Qualifier

• • All information is subject to change

Memberships -  Polo Manager Graham Bray - 760 774 2583 - grahamjbray@gmail.com
12 Goal - March(Membership fees include Stick & Ball, Wed Practice, Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers & EMT)
6 Chukkers	Monthly
Per Team - March	$17,000*
SKINS Tournament Entry – Per Team	$5,000
* Discounts apply for team commitments by Oct 1 (50% non-refundable deposit required by commitment date)
8 Goal - Jan & Feb(Membership fees include Stick & Ball, Thurs Practice, Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers & EMT)
6 Chukkers	Monthly
Per Team - Jan & Feb	$15,000*
* Discounts apply for team commitments by Oct 1 (50% non-refundable deposit required by commitment date)
4 Goal - Jan & Feb(Membership fees include Stick & Ball, Thurs Practice, Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers & EMT)Teams comprised of 2 sponsors & 2 professionals and authorized by Polo Manager
4 Chukkers	Monthly
Per Player – Jan & Feb	$2,500
6 Goal - MarchPer Team (Membership fees include Stick & Ball, Thurs Practice,Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers & EMT)
4 Chukkers	Monthly
Per Team - March	$10,000
Pro PoolFees include Pro fees, Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers & EMT
4 Chukkers – January, February, March	Season	Weekly
Season  Pro Pool (includes Weekly Pro Pool Fees, Stick n Ball & Thurs Practice)	$7,500
Non-Member Weekly Pro Pool (does not include Stick n Ball or Practice)		$600
Club Chukker Member Weekly Pro Pool		$350
Club Chukkers
Practice Chukkers on Thurs, Sat & Sun	Monthly	Season
4 Chukker Membership	$1,500	$3,500
6 Chukker Membership	$1,700	$4,500

Non Member Fees
Stick & Ball (season)	$  2,500
Stick & Ball (monthly)	$  1,000
Stick & Ball (weekly)	$     250
Stick & Ball (daily)	$       50
Chukker Fee (5 game limit)	$       50 each
Pro Pool - per weekend(Pro Pool fees include Pro, Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers & EMT)	$     600

TRACK USE RESTRICTED TO HORSES & PLAYERS BOARDED AT ELDORADO

Stabling Fees	Season	Monthly	Weekly	Daily
Pipe Stall	$550	$350	$125	$15
Tack Room	$500
Box Stall*	$600	$300	$125	$20
(*Located at old HITS property)

Springbok Edges Prima Polo in WCT Qualifier

The main event of the closing afternoon of the 2017 season, featured the Pacific Coast Women's Challenge - WCT Qualifier A Flight final between Springbok (Kate Weber 4, Catlin Dix 4, Jennifer Alexy 5, Caroline Anier 6) facing off against Prima Polo (Jenny Alter 1, Dayelle Fargey 7, Abby Riggs 5, Tiffany Busch 7) in what turned to be a very physical and entertaining contest.Having to give up a handicap award of one-half, Prima Polo struck first as Busch counted the first of her three on the afternoon. Soringbok's Anier countered soon after and the first chukker ended with the two time defending champions leading by the handicap difference (1.5 - 1).Jennifer Alexy, riding the eventual Best Playing Pony - Izzy - scored the only goal of the second and the count was 2.5 - 1 in favor of Springbok going to the break.As the enthusiastic crowd stomped divots and conversed - with Ruffino Prosecco in hand - Prima Polo was speaking amongst themselves as well, and whatever was said seemed to work in the third as a strong team effort allowed Busch to score a pair of goals to take a lead of one-half. However, Dix notched a goal and Springbok again led by the handicap grant (3.5 - 3).The fourth was very physical and very close with neither team able to gain any type of an advantage. But with just over 90 seconds to go, Dix was able to grab the ball and run 150 yards to score her second of the game and Springbok had successfully defended their 2016 title by a final tally of 4.5 to 3.Dix, because of her aggressive and opportunistic play, was selected as the MVP and as mentioned earlier, Izzy, owned by Diego Larregli and played by Alexy was honored as the Best Playing Pony - the second horse played by Alexy on this day to be recognized as such. The Women's Challenge Upper B Flight saw Deer Creek (Lynni Hutton 1, Julie Fernandez 2, Caroline Anier 6, Audrey Persano 3) play Ohana (Erin Brittin 2, Stephanie Davidson, Abby Riggs 5, CAtlin Dix 4). A very strong first chukker allowed Deer Creek to move on to an 8 - 5.5 victory.Anier was awarded the title of MVP and Pientha, played by Persano and owned by Fernandez was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. The Lower B Flight was won by DG'S Girls (Shelley Geiler 2, Keli Newton, Jennifer Alexy 5, Heather Perkins 2) over Sunset Warriors (Susan Guggenheim 2, Julie Empey 1, Tanya Paneno 2, Carla Gallichotte 2).Keli Newton was named as the MVP and Marley, played by Alexy in the second chukker was tabbed as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg    

2017 Pacific Coast Women's Challenge - WCT Qualifier

A FLIGHT (WCT Qualifier)PRIMA POLO (20) - Jenny Alter 1, Dayelle Fargey 7, Tiffany Busch 7, Abby Riggs 5.SPRINGBOK (19) - Caroline Anier 6, Jennifer Alexy 5,Kathleen Weber 4, Catlin Dix 4.B+ FLIGHTDEER CREEK (12) - Lynni Hutton 1, Julie Fernandez 2, Audry Persano 3, Caroline Anier 6.IDENTITY POLO (11) - Anne Evamy 3, Ruth Peters 1, Zinta Braukis, Dayelle Fargey 7.OHANA (11) - Erin Britton 2, Stephanie Davidson, Abby Riggs 5, Catlin Dix 4.SISTER WIVES (12) - Debra Vermoch 1, Leigh Brecheen 3, Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni 4, Melania Jones 4.URBAN DOG (10) - Kim Garsed 2, Ann Terranova, Cybele Jordan 4, Roxy Keyfauver 4.B- FLIGHTDG'S GIRLS (9) - Shelley Geiler 2, Heather Perkins 2, Kelli Newton, Jennifer Alexy 5.SUNSET WARRIORS (7) - Tanya Paneno 2, Julie Empey 1, Susan Guggenheim 2, Carla Gallichotte 2. SCHEDULECheck daily game schedule for times Saturday and Sunday 

Bush League Steps Up In the Governor's Cup

On a ‘perfect day in sunny Southern California’, the 2017 Pacific Coast Governor’s Cup final was played at the Eldorado Polo Club in Indio. The ultimate push – on Sunday, March 26 - featured Virgil Kyle and Ryan Robertson and their Bush League foursome (Kyle, Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Jose Rodriguez 1) going up against Leigh Brecheen and Danny Walker’s Farmers and Merchants Bank organization (Brecheen, Walker 2, Matthew Walker 2, Antonio Juarez 1).From the start it was obvious that Bush League had come prepared as Rodriguez took a pass from the initial bowl-in and simply ran free to score the first goal of the game. The ensuing bowl-in at center turned into more of the same as Escapite grabbed the ball and found Roberson free near the Farmer and Merchants’ goal and the lead was now two. The initial push continued as Robertson picked up the ball and ran from mid-field to score and it was now three to nothing and the large crowd was buzzing. However, Farmers and Merchants came back in a hurry as huge pressure allowed Matt Walker a penalty three opportunity that he converted, Juarez scored from the field, as did Danny Walker, and the game was tied to end the first.The second featured nowhere near the scoring that was seen in the first. In fact, there wasn’t any as chances were missed and opportunities to advance were not taken. The result was a 3 – 3 tie at halftime.The bankers came to work in the third frame as Danny Walker scored from the field and converted a penalty two offering and Farmers and Merchants led by a pair going to the final frame at 5 – 3 and many thought it might be over.Coming out for the fourth, Bush League most certainly didn’t think it was over as they pressed and pressed hard. The result was a free-throw opportunity that Robertson converted. Escapite then took control and counted his first of the day and the momentum had changed. The continued pressure from Bush League allowed another open goal opportunity that Escapite capitalized on and it was over as Bush League had won their first Governor’s Cup by a score of 6 – 5.Not only had Bush League defeated Farmers and Merchants Bank to take the USPA hardware, it was presented by the man they had just overcome as Danny Walker is the Governor of the Pacific Coast Circuit.Because he was able to control play when needed and instill confidence in his teammates, Escapite was given MVP honors. Garabinada, played by Danny Walker in the third chukker was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg

Skins: Money Split - Cotterell Wins Rossmore Cup

The Eldorado Polo Club’s 23^rd annual Polo Skins Game was played on Sunday, March 26, 2017. While the Skins always creates much anticipation along with a huge fieldside party , the addition of the USPA Rossmore Cup Tournament this season brought the frenzy to an even higher level. Add in the fact that this year’s contest was going to be live streamed by the USPA.The Polo Skins format is exactly like a golf skins competition where each chukker is played as a ‘Skin’. If a chukker is won, the winner receives the money available. If the teams are tied after a chukker, the amount that was available is then added to the amount to be played for in the next chukker. For the 2017 challenge, the team that scored the most goals overall would put their name on the Rossmore Cup.The 2017 game, at 12 goals, was played in front of huge Clubhouse and west berm crowd and an immense gathering of partying faithful lining the entire east side, featured Idaho’s Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni and her Cotterell Farms polo team (Luttrell-Benardoni, Ruben Coscia 5, Juan Curbelo 5, Matthew Fonseca 2) riding out against Canadian John Rooney and his Northern Blizzard line-up (Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Patrick Uretz 4, Peter Blake 3).At the start, Cotterell took immediate control and was rewarded with a penalty three opportunity that Curbelo easily converted. The first period wasn’t half over as Luttrell-Benardoni grabbed a long pass and impressively ran 145 yards to increase the lead to two goals and it appeared the farmers were going to run away with the initial $3500 and take a rather nice lead in the Rossmore. Not so fast however, as Northern Blizzard came back with a big offensive thrust resulting in a Uretz penalty four strike and a free throw conversion from 40 yards. As a result the Rossmore was tied at two and the initial $3500 would be added to the $3500 from the second to make the second chukker worth $7000.The momentum that the Canadian invaders grabbed in the first carried – as did the money – to the second as Uretz converted a penalty two from the spot to now lead by one. Ruben Coscia got that back with a field goal and the count was now tied at three apiece. However, Northern Blizzard jumped right back and were once again rewarded with another penalty two opportunity that Uretz converted. With just over 30 seconds remaining in the period and the $7000 comfortably in Canadian hands, Blake grabbed the ball and ran 260 yards to score. The point didn’t matter for the money, but with the Rossmore Cup in play, it would count in the overall score which now stood at 5 – 3 in favor of Rooney and his oilmen.The third frame, worth $3500, featured many scoring chances but not much scoring as Curbelo grabbed the only goal of the period - from the field - which was enough to put that money into the Cotterell account. The result was a $3500 halftime lead for Northern Blizzard and a lead of one at 5 – 4 for the USPA Silver.The small advantage that Cotterell had in the third became bigger in the fourth as Fonseca counted twice and Coscia grabbed his second goal. The three goals – to none for Northern Blizzard - easily gave the Idahoans the $3500 to tie the dollar count at $7000 and they now led the Rossmore by a pair at 7 – 5.The Canadians, quiet on the scoreboard for two chukkers, started to recover in the fifth as Uretz scored from the field to lead by one for the money. Curbelo got that back for the farmhands to lead again by a pair in the overall count but Uretz was able to grab another field goal and the fifth ended with Northern Blizzard cashing the $3500 royalty and closing to within one for the Rossmore.The sixth was played even with Northern Blizzard’s Blake scoring on a superb effort from 90 yards and Cotterell’s Curbelo replying with his third from the field and the chukker ended with Cotterell winning the Rossmore Cup by one goal at 9 – 8. However, and as great as the farmhands felt with the victory, there was still $3500 on the table. As a result, an overtime chukker would be necessary.The extra frame didn’t last very long as Luttrell-Benardoni, with a long, strong, and perfectly placed neckshot from well right of the Northern Blizzard goal set up Fonseca 30 yards out and he made no mistake to score. That combined effort gave Cotterell the $3500 carryover and a tie in the money total at $10,500 each.Because of her strong and aggressive effort in playing the front end and her ability to get to and move the play, Luttrell-Benardoni was selected as the MVP. Negra, played by Coscia in the sixth period, went back to the barn wearing the Best Playing Pony blanket.Tony Gregg

2017 USPA Rossmore Cup/Skins 12 Goal Mar 26

A - NORTHERN BLIZZARD (12) - John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson4, Patrick Uretz 4, Peter Blake 3.B - HIGHWOOD (12) - Ron Mathison, Marcello Rodriguez-Abbiati 4, Mariano Fassetta 5, Remy Du Celliee Muller 3.C - COTTEREL FARMS (12) - Jennifer Luttrell-Benardoni, Ruben Coscia 5, Juan Curbelo 5, Matthew Fonseca 2.D - TWIN PALMS (12) - Chris Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Jared Sheldon 4, Joseph Stuart 4. STANDINGSNORTHERN BLIZZARD                2   1   d Cotterell Farms, Highwood   l Twin PalmsCOTTERELL FARMS                    2   1   d Twin Palms, Highwood   l Northern BlizzardHIGHWOOD                                  1   2   d Twin Palms   l Northern Blizzard, Cotterel FarmsTWIN PALMS                                1   2   d Northern Blizzard   l Highwood, Cotterel Farms SCHEDULEFri Mar 17; Northern Blizzard vs Cotterell Farms, Twin Palms vs HighwoodSun Mar 19; Highwood vs Northern Blizzard , Twin Palms vs Cotterell FarmsFri Mar 24; Cotterell Farms vs Highwood, Northern Blizzard vs Twin PalmsSun Mar 26; Final Rossmore Cup/Skins Game - Northern Blizzard vs Cotterell Farms

2017 Pacific Coast Governor's Cup - Mar 26

BRACKET 1A - FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK (5) - Dan Walker 2, Leigh Brecheen, Matthew Walker 2, Antonio Juarez 1.B - LUNA POLO (5.5) - Jennifer Alexy .5, David Carlson -1, Diego Larregli 2, Gasto Von Wernich 4.C - BUSH LEAGUE (5) - Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Jose Rodriguez 1.BRACKET 2D - PRIMA POLO (6) - Jenny Alter -1, Scott Walker, Jared Sheldon 4, Peter Blake 3.E - IDENTITY POLO (6) - Anne Evamy, Malia McCoy 1, James a'Court 1, Matias Obregon 4.F -BLAZERS (6) - Pat Powell, Kyle Fargey 3, Alvaro Tadeo 2, Alonso Cruz 1.STANDINGSFARMERS & MERCHANTS       2   1   d Prima Polo, Identity Polo   l BlazersBUSH LEAGUE                          2   1   d Blazers, Identity Polo   l Prima PoloBLAZERS                                   2   1   d Farmers & Merchants, Luna Polo   l Bush LeagueLUNA POLO                               2   1   d Identity Polo, Prima Polo   l BlazersPRIMA POLO                             1   2   d Bush League   l Farmers & Merchants, Luna PoloIDENTITY POLO                        0   3   l Luna Polo, Bush League, Farmers & Merchants SCHEDULESat Mar 18; Farmers & Merchants vs Prima Polo, Luna Polo vs Identity Polo, Bush League vs BlazersSun Mar 19; Blazers vs Farmers & Merchants, Prima Polo vs Luna Polo, Identity Polo vs Bush LeagueThur Mar 23; Identity vs Farmers & Merchants, Luna Polo vs Blazers, Bush League vs Prima PoloSat Mar 25; Farmers & Merchants vs Luna Polo, Bush League vs BlazersSun Mar 26; Final - Bush League vs Farmers & MerchantsCross Bracket. Four teams with best records will play semi-finals - 1st vs 4th, 2nd vs 3rd.

Brookland Plantation Grabs March 6 Goal

The final of the March 6 Goal tournament featured Thomas Ravenel and his Brookland Plantation foursome (Ravenel, Ignacio Deltour 3, Rodrigo Salinas 3, Abby Riggs) going up against Jennifer Alexy and David Carlson with their Luna Polo group (Alexy .5, Carlson -1, Diego Larregli 2, Gaston Von Wernich 4). The game, played on the day of the February full  moon, saw the southern charmers lead early and go on to win by a count of 6 - 3.5.Having to give up a half goal at the start, Brookland Plantation controlled the first period and led with a score of 3 - .5 going to the second.Luna Polo started to shine a little in the second as both teams scored once giving a halftime score of 4 - 1.5.The satellites then went on to light up the third chukker by scoring a pair of counters, to none for the Southerners, and trailed by just one-half with one to play at 4 - 3.5.In the fourth however,  Southern hospitality blocked out the light of the full moon as Brookland Plantation scored twice and earned the March 6 Goal title.Deltour scored three times for the winners (one open goal conversion), Salinas had a pair, and Riggs struck once.All Luna's goals - besides the handicap award - came from Von Wernich (one a penalty four).Tony Gregg

Northern Blizzard Serves Notice in March 12 Goal

If the March 12 Goal tournament is any indication, John Rooney's Northern Blizzard polo team appears  to be ready for the 23rd annual Skins Tournament after defeating Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni's Cotterel Farms by a score of 10 - 8, on the warmest day of the year at a near record 96 degrees. Not that Cotterell wasn't indicating that they were ready as well - they were indeed making a statement by mounting up for their third 12 goal final in as many tries.On this day, presented by Ketel One Vodka, Northern Blizzard rode out with a fairly new roster - Rooney (1 goal) with long time teammate Joe Henderson (4) along with newcomers Patrick Uretz (4) and Peter Blake (3).  Cotterell Farms fielded the same foursome that has brought them so much success in this 2017 season - Luttrell-Benardoni, Ruben Coscia (5), Juan Curbelo (5), and Matthew Fonseca (2).After playing well in the qualifying games, the northerners got off to a quick start in this one and held a one goal edge after the first period at 2 - 1.The cold north wind continued to blow in the second frame as Rooney and Co. led by two at 4 - 2 going to the third chukker.Cotterell bounced back in the third to outscore Northern Blizzard by a count of 3 - 2 and the half ended with the northern invaders up by just one goal at 6 - 5.The Rooney group came back in the fourth as they outscored the Idahoans by one at 2 - 1 and now led by two going to the penultimate chukker at 8 - 6.Cotterell scored the only goal of the fifth to trail by just one going to the final (8 - 7).The sixth ultimately belonged to Northern Blizzard with a pair on the board to just one for Cotterell and it was over with the Canadians taking the bottles of Ketel One and the March 12 Goal Championship.For the winners, Henderson scored four goals (one penalty four conversion), Uretz had four (one penalty three opportunity), and Peter Blake counted a pair.The replies for Cotterell saw Curbelo with five (0ne penalty two) and Coscia with three.Tony Gregg   

March 6 Goal Teams, Standings, Schedule Mar 12th

BRACKET #1A - BROOKLAND PLANTATION (6) - Thomas Ravenel, Rodrigo Salinas 3, Ignacio Deltour 3, Abby Riggs.B - BUSH LEAGUE (5) - Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Jose Rodriguez 1.C - BLAZERS (6) - Pat Powell, Kyle Fargey 3, Alvaro Tadeo 2, Alonso Cruz 1.BRACKET #2D - LUNA POLO (5.5) - Jennifer Alexy .5, David Carlson -1, Diego Larregli 2, Gaston Von Wernich 4.E - FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK (5.5) - Dan Walker 2, Leigh Brecheen, Matthew Walker 2, Dayelle Fargey 1.STANDINGSBROOKLAND PLANTATION   100%            2   0   d Luna Polo, Farmers & MerchantsLUNA POLO   66.6%                                    2   1   d Bush League, Blazers   l Brookland PlantationBLAZERS   50%                                           1   1   d Farmers & Merchants   l Luna PoloBUSH LEAGUE   50%                                  1   1   d Farmer & Merchants   l Luna PoloFARMERS & MERCHANTS                          0   3   l Bush League, Blazers, Brookland PlantationSCHEDULESat Mar 4; Brookland Plantation vs Luna Polo, Bush League vs Farmers & Merchants BankSun Mar5; Farmer & Merchants Bank vs Blazers, Luna Polo vs Bush LeagueSat Mar 11; Brookland Plantation vs Farmers & Merchants Bank, Blazers vs Luna PoloSun Mar 12; Final - Brookland Plantation vs Luna PoloBracket #1 will receive 50%/win, Bracket #2 will receive 33.3%/win.

March 12 Goal Standings, Schedule - Mar 12th

A - NORTHERN BLIZZARD (12) - John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Patrick Uretz 4, Peter Blake 3.B - TWIN PALMS (12) - Chris Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Jared Sheldon 4, Joseph Stuart 4.C - HIGHWOOD (12) - Ron Mathison, Marcello Rodriguez-Abbiati 4, Mariano Fassetta 5, Remy Du Celliee Muller 3.D - COTTEREL FARMS (12) - Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni, Ruben Coscia 5, Juan Curbelo 5, Matthew Fonseca 2. STANDINGSNORTHERN BLIZZARD                   2   0   d Twin Palms, Cotterel FarmsCOTTEREL FARMS                         2   1   d Highwood, Twin Palms   l Northern BlizzardTWIN PALMS                                    1   2   d Highwood   l Northern Blizzard, Cotterel FarmsHIGHWOOD                                      0   2   l Cotterel Farms, Northern Blizzard  SCHEDULEFri Mar 3; Northern Blizzard vs Twin Palms, Highwood vs Cotterel FarmsSun Mar 5; Cotterel Farms vs Northern Blizzard, Twin Palms vs HighwoodFri Mar 10;Highwood vs Northern Blizzard, Cotterel vs Twin PalmsSun Mar 12; Final - Cotterel Farms vs Northern Blizzard

Farmers and Merchants Bank Wins Fish Creek 4 Goal

Having to give up a half goal at the start, Farmers and Merchants Bank were able to outscore Bearsden/Shore Thing in the second half to take the Fish Creek Cup 4 Goal Tournament Final a by a score of 6 - 3.5.Bearsden/Shore Thing led at halftime with a lead of one half at 3.5 - 2.However, Farmers and Merchants counted four unanswered markers in the second half to go on to take the win.Matthew Walker scored four times for the winners with Danny Walker and Abby Riggs contributing one each.Cody Woodfin had a pair and Rodrigo Salinas counted one for the runners-up.Matthew Walker was honored as the MVP and Cody Woodfin's first chukker mount was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.Farmers and Merchants Bank (4) - Danny Walker 2, Leigh Brecheen, Matthew Walker 2, Abby Riggs.Bearsden/Shore Thing (3.5) - Carol Farnsworth -.5, Lamar Rutherford -1, Cody Woodfin 2, Rodrigo Salinas 3.Tony Gregg

Eldorado National Youth Tournament Series

Eldorado hosted our annual National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS)  on February 25^th and 26^th.Three teams competed in this tournament:Alegria (Hope Kerley, Thomas Costello, Athena Malin, Charlie Walker),Boss Polo (Bayne Bossom, Piers Bossom, Rhandy Heredia, Skyler Dale) andAntelope (Grant Palmer, Sydney Jordan, Riley Jordan, Alonso Andrade)Boss Polo took the win with Alegria coming in second place. Five All Star Awards were chosen by the All Star selection commitee: Alonso Andrade, Athena Malin, Bayne Bossom, Grant Palmer and Hope Kerley.