Jay Wimberly demonstrates how a mallet is used to hit a ball during a polo match, as fellow player David Fennelly describes the technique. (Click on image for downloadable version.) Photo by Bruce Schultz Fernando Ayala, a professional player from Argentina, holds the reins of Ruby, a polo pony. (Click on image for downloadable version.) Photo by Bruce Schultz Neely Walker, LSU AgCenter equine specialist, won the award for the most dramatic hat at a polo match event to raise money for equine programs at the AgCenter. (Click on image for downloadable version.) Photo by Bruce Schultz News Release Distributed 10/03/12
FOLSOM, La. – Heavy rains prevented play of the polo match at the second annual Clover Cup on Sept. 30, which was a fundraiser for LSU AgCenter equine programs. But the festivities continued with a party, hat contest and a presentation on the sport.
LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson said the AgCenter recognizes the importance of the horse industry in Louisiana. “We are doing everything we can to help the industry.”
Neely Walker, AgCenter equine specialist, said the fundraiser benefits all AgCenter educational horse programs including the 4-H programs and the Master Horseman program.
She said the funds raised by the polo event are used when programs run short of funding. “When there is no money left, this is where we go.”
Walker said the sponsors of the programs include corporations and individuals. Although many of them are involved in the equine industry, “the majority of them are not associated with horses,” she said.
Vickie Hutchinson, AgCenter livestock show development coordinator, said the event, which took place at Leah Farm, was made possible by numerous volunteers, sponsors and donors.
David Fennelly of the New Orleans Polo Club said the wet grounds made for an unsafe playing surface for the ponies and the players. But he said the polo club will have more events at Leah Farm and Innisfree Farm, both near here. More about the New Orleans Polo Club and its schedule can be found at the website, www.neworleanspoloclub.com.
Hutchinson said Doug Parsons, New Orleans Polo Club manager, assisted with making sure the event carried on, despite the rain.
“He helped tremendously with the organization, setting up, coming up with rain back-up plans and numerous decisions related to the event,” she said.
Fennelly gave an overview of the game, describing how play is conducted on a field of 160 yards by 300 yards. The game is divided into 7.5-minute periods, or chukkers. The object is to hit a hard 3-inch ball into a net similar to a soccer goal.
The wet weather did not dampen the hat contest, however. Winning “Most Unusual” was Shannon Loupe, while Beth Seamon won “Most Beautiful,” and Walker won for “Most Dramatic and Overall Outfit and Hat.”
Bruce Schultz