I’ve been in Polo since 1975 as a player and manager, and I’ve seen very little progress in the last 2 decades to improve the game in the USA. We have become the financial center for Argentina, and I am not blaming them as team builders– I brought many Argentine players here, myself, but for something called the United States Polo Association, there are very few high goal players from the United States. We haven’t had a U.S. 10 goal player since 2000, and we’ve only had 1 Patron go over 4 goals since then–Jared Zemi and he also is a pro when he wants to be . WHY? Because we are quickly running out of Patrons who want to pay to watch. Some of the existing Patrons are my age and can afford it so its fun for them, but look at the US OPEN. How many Patrons were under 55 and American? We have lost all the young possible Patrons because they want to improve and be a part of the game, not have an expensive seat to enjoy. It was actually a very bright Argentine Pro, Javier Tanoria, who gave me the idea and answer to solving this problem. It’s simple and will cut cost 40%, which is another reason we get less interest in the top line every year. Javier’s solution: Limit horses per player, per game. He says 6 horses, I would say 7. Not 16. Firstly, it will cost will cut cost substantially, opening the door for so many more. Hay, stalls, grooms, trucks, shavings–every cost will be cut, and make it a game for the masses not just the few.
But more importantly, the limitations will bring the sport back to Polo. It’s in limitations that we expand. It’s a universal truth, no matter the field. When we are challenged by limitations, we are forced to learn and grow. By limiting the horses at a players disposal, we will force the pros to rely on their skill not, just their horse. It will force them to utilize the Patrons, and in doing so, both will grow as players. It’s time to bring back the “Patron” to those like the Busches, Beveridges, Orthweins, Walkers, Uihliens and many more who went to 4-7 goals. Make the Patrons Players again.
While you’re all in the Desert, look at what is and start seeing what could be, with just a little bit of help.
Steve Crowder
internationalpoloconnection.com 