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Tag: equestrian

  • From stable to courtroom: Riders sue UC Davis over decision to drop equestrian program

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    UC Davis is facing a federal lawsuit, with lawyers having filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to keep the women’s equestrian team competing at the varsity level. The lawsuit comes after the university decided to drop the team earlier this year.Supporters are also taking their fight to the public. Equestrian alumna Olivia Russell is helping with a media campaign blitz through television commercials, a website called “Keep Davis Riding”, social media, and a petition. “For the media campaign, we’re really just making a lot of noise,” Russell said. She expressed her concerns about the university’s January decision. “If it’s really a budget issue, phase the team out. But to cut it mid-season is really weird and really cruel,” Russell said. “The hope is, of course, they’re reinstated for years to come.”Sacramento attorney Bill Janicki is representing several student-athletes, who are remaining anonymous for fear of retribution. They’re suing the regents, the university and school leaders. “No feedback, no dialog, nothing. And so this was our only recourse,” Janicki said. The lawsuit claims fraud, intentional misrepresentation, and negligent concealment, alleging that UC Davis leaders knew for months or even years they were going to cut the program. The lawsuit states that “the university misrepresented and suppressed material facts concerning the future of the equestrian program, inducing plaintiffs to commit, enroll, or remain at UC Davis under false pretenses. “Court documents also argue that “monetary damages alone cannot remedy the loss of NCAA eligibility, competitive opportunities, recruiting exposure, and career trajectories associated with Division I athletics.”Janicki emphasized the need for transparency. “It would have been full disclosure to say, ‘Hey, this team’s at risk. It’s on the chopping block. And that should have been told to students before they commit… sign pieces of paper and relocate across the country,” Janicki said. “They need to fulfill the obligation they gave to (the athletes) when they came for athletics.” Ultimately, it could be up to a judge to decide if the athletes get to keep riding on the national level. The motion hearing for a preliminary injunction is set for March 19.KCRA 3 asked for an on-camera interview with the university. We received this statement.UC Davis is committed to our student-athletes and strives to provide the best environment for them to succeed.The decision to return the Equestrian team to a club sport after seven years as an NCAA sport was difficult. As the Athletics Director stated when the decision was announced, the change was driven by an assessment of financial considerations and the national competitive landscape in this sport, including an independent third-party review.As it has for most of its history, the Equestrian team will continue as a club sport. Our current Equestrian student-athletes will continue to receive athletics-related financial aid, academic advising, tutoring and other resources for the entirety of their undergraduate careers at UC Davis. All coaches’ contracts will be honored through their current terms. We understand the disappointment this decision has caused. We are proud of our Equestrian student-athletes, coaches and their success. They’ve brought incredible recognition to UC Davis and to our Athletics program. While petitions and advocacy reflect genuine passion, university officials must make decisions based on sustainability, equity, and institutional responsibility, and have done so here.”These decisions were made following extensive external and internal analysis and thoughtful collaboration with campus leadership. As the landscape of Division I athletics continues to evolve, it is important that we regularly evaluate how we best align our resources to support student-athletes, advance gender equity, and position UC Davis Athletics for long-term success. Our student-athletes across the board—including those in Equestrian—are dedicated, talented, and driven. They represent UC Davis with tremendous pride and excellence.”–Rocko DeLuca, Athletic DirectorAdditional points: The university is operating with constrained resources. All UC Davis schools and departments, including Athletics, are required to reduce their budgets over the next two years. Not enough universities field teams to make the sport a viable collegiate competitive platform. Only 14 Division I institutions nationally sponsor dual discipline Equestrian under the National Collegiate Equestrian Association. The university remains fully committed to its research, teaching and medical services related to equine activities. The decision to reclassify the Equestrian team in no way affects the Weill School of Veterinary Medicine or the College of Agricultural and Environmental Science, or the resources for animals on our campus. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    DAVIS, Calif. —

    UC Davis is facing a federal lawsuit, with lawyers having filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to keep the women’s equestrian team competing at the varsity level. The lawsuit comes after the university decided to drop the team earlier this year.

    Supporters are also taking their fight to the public. Equestrian alumna Olivia Russell is helping with a media campaign blitz through television commercials, a website called “Keep Davis Riding”, social media, and a petition.

    “For the media campaign, we’re really just making a lot of noise,” Russell said.

    She expressed her concerns about the university’s January decision.

    “If it’s really a budget issue, phase the team out. But to cut it mid-season is really weird and really cruel,” Russell said. “The hope is, of course, they’re reinstated for years to come.”

    Sacramento attorney Bill Janicki is representing several student-athletes, who are remaining anonymous for fear of retribution. They’re suing the regents, the university and school leaders.

    “No feedback, no dialog, nothing. And so this was our only recourse,” Janicki said.

    The lawsuit claims fraud, intentional misrepresentation, and negligent concealment, alleging that UC Davis leaders knew for months or even years they were going to cut the program.

    The lawsuit states that “the university misrepresented and suppressed material facts concerning the future of the equestrian program, inducing plaintiffs to commit, enroll, or remain at UC Davis under false pretenses. “

    Court documents also argue that “monetary damages alone cannot remedy the loss of NCAA eligibility, competitive opportunities, recruiting exposure, and career trajectories associated with Division I athletics.”

    Janicki emphasized the need for transparency.

    “It would have been full disclosure to say, ‘Hey, this team’s at risk. It’s on the chopping block. And that should have been told to students before they commit… sign pieces of paper and relocate across the country,” Janicki said. “They need to fulfill the obligation they gave to (the athletes) when they came for athletics.”

    Ultimately, it could be up to a judge to decide if the athletes get to keep riding on the national level. The motion hearing for a preliminary injunction is set for March 19.

    KCRA 3 asked for an on-camera interview with the university. We received this statement.

    UC Davis is committed to our student-athletes and strives to provide the best environment for them to succeed.

    The decision to return the Equestrian team to a club sport after seven years as an NCAA sport was difficult. As the Athletics Director stated when the decision was announced, the change was driven by an assessment of financial considerations and the national competitive landscape in this sport, including an independent third-party review.

    As it has for most of its history, the Equestrian team will continue as a club sport. Our current Equestrian student-athletes will continue to receive athletics-related financial aid, academic advising, tutoring and other resources for the entirety of their undergraduate careers at UC Davis. All coaches’ contracts will be honored through their current terms.

    We understand the disappointment this decision has caused. We are proud of our Equestrian student-athletes, coaches and their success. They’ve brought incredible recognition to UC Davis and to our Athletics program. While petitions and advocacy reflect genuine passion, university officials must make decisions based on sustainability, equity, and institutional responsibility, and have done so here.

    “These decisions were made following extensive external and internal analysis and thoughtful collaboration with campus leadership. As the landscape of Division I athletics continues to evolve, it is important that we regularly evaluate how we best align our resources to support student-athletes, advance gender equity, and position UC Davis Athletics for long-term success. Our student-athletes across the board—including those in Equestrian—are dedicated, talented, and driven. They represent UC Davis with tremendous pride and excellence.”

    –Rocko DeLuca, Athletic Director

    Additional points:

    • The university is operating with constrained resources. All UC Davis schools and departments, including Athletics, are required to reduce their budgets over the next two years.
    • Not enough universities field teams to make the sport a viable collegiate competitive platform. Only 14 Division I institutions nationally sponsor dual discipline Equestrian under the National Collegiate Equestrian Association.
    • The university remains fully committed to its research, teaching and medical services related to equine activities. The decision to reclassify the Equestrian team in no way affects the Weill School of Veterinary Medicine or the College of Agricultural and Environmental Science, or the resources for animals on our campus.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Washington International Horse Show underway in Upper Marlboro – WTOP News

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    The Washington International Horse Show is underway until Sunday, Oct. 26, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

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    Washington International Horse Show underway in Upper Marlboro

    An annual tradition is back in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, this weekend. The Washington International Horse Show is underway at The Show Place Arena, and, as far as equestrian competitions go, it’s kind of a big deal.

    “There will be 13 countries represented here. … There’s 12 Olympians,” said Bill Ward, who is from the Baltimore area and is on the show’s board of directors. “The world’s No. 1 is going against the world No. 2. World No. 1 right now is from the United States. So it’s just — year over year — this is a really important event for the equestrian community.”

    Among those riding this weekend is Brianna Cooper, an 18-year-old from McLean, Virginia.

    “Everyone comes here for a reason and shows off what they have,” she said. “There’s a lot of work put in.”

    She’ll be riding a horse named Penguin.

    “It’s really fun to watch, to see all the really nice horses coming here and showing off,” Cooper said.

    Another of this weekend’s riders is 10-year-old Annie Cooper (no relation), who came to the show from the Gulf Coast of Alabama.

    “It’s a big show, and there’s really good riders here that do well and do their best,” she said.

    One of her favorite parts of coming to Upper Marlboro for the show?

    “I like the weather. The weather’s colder — a lot colder,” she said with a laugh.

    Her mom, Sadie, is just as thrilled to be there, after taking her to so many other horse shows around the South in order to be able to compete in the D.C. region.

    “They work all year to qualify for this, so kids are really excited to be here and honored to get accepted,” she said.

    But for her, watching her daughter comes with more than excitement.

    “Oh, I’m a nervous wreck,” she said with a laugh. “Just proud of her and proud that they come and can do this and compete in this environment.”

    But for all the talk about the competition, there’s also plenty of hands-on activities for kids, whether they’re riders or not.

    “On Saturday, there’s kids day, there’s face painting, pony rides,” Ward said.

    Kids in attendance can even do their best horse impression by taking on the human jumping course.

    “It’s just fun. The kids will have fun, even if they’ve never been on a horse. But those who have any interest in a horse, it’ll be that much more of a great experience for them,” he added.

    Events happening during the daytime hours are free all weekend long.

    “It is all family friendly, and you’re up close and personal,” Ward said. “This is not a huge arena, so you feel like you’re part of the action. You will hear the pounding of the horses. You will feel the excitement and the adrenaline. Because it’s not just pageantry. This is actually competition.”

    The Washington International Horse Show is underway until Sunday, Oct. 26, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
    (WTOP/John Domen)

    WTOP/John Domen

    equestrian rider on horse from side
    Brianna Cooper, an 18-year-old from McLean, Virginia, is competing in the Washington International Horse Show.
    (WTOP/John Domen)

    WTOP/John Domen

    equestrian horse jumps over barrier in arena
    The Washington International Horse Show is underway until Sunday, Oct. 26, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
    (WTOP/John Domen)

    WTOP/John Domen

    a horse show setup in arena
    The Washington International Horse Show is underway until Sunday, Oct. 26, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
    (WTOP/John Domen)

    WTOP/John Domen

    equestrian rider poses for photo on horse
    Ten-year-old Annie Cooper, from Alabama, is competing in the Washington International Horse Show.
    (WTOP/John Domen)

    WTOP/John Domen

    equestrian horse jumps over barrier in arena
    The Washington International Horse Show is underway until Sunday, Oct. 26, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
    (WTOP/John Domen)

    WTOP/John Domen

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  • U.S. Polo Assn. Supports Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts With Derby of Dreams Event and $10,000 in Scholarships

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    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 8, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    USPA Global, the company that manages U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), is proud to support the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts as a sponsor of Derby of Dreams: Racing for the Arts and Academics and by providing $10,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors at the renowned public arts magnet high school.

    Derby of Dreams: Racing for the Arts and Academics took place on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, at the iconic Polo Club at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC), in Wellington, Florida. Guests were dressed in their Derby best as they watched the Kentucky Derby live on the picturesque grounds of NPC while enjoying a gourmet dinner, signature mint juleps, and USPA 135th Anniversary Rosè. A highlight of the evening was the Bowtie and Hat Competition, encouraging attendees to show off their finest Derby attire.

    Incredible performances were made by Grammy and Tony Award winner John Lloyd Young, Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Charlie Porter, and Broadway veteran, X Factor finalist, and celebrity vocal coach Tara Simon. The special event honored J. Michael Prince, President & CEO of USPA Global, and Kimberly Bluhm, philanthropist and art collector, for their outstanding contributions to arts and education.

    “It is truly an honor to be recognized by the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation, an organization that makes such a powerful impact on the lives of young creatives and scholars,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global. “As a brand deeply rooted in the values of tradition, excellence, and opportunity, U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to support the Derby of Dreams and the incredible students at Dreyfoos.”

    “Our brand mission extends beyond sport and fashion – it’s about empowering future generations through education, creativity, and access to opportunity in the communities we serve,” Prince added.

    Presented by the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation, Derby of Dreams supports the award-winning Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Funds raised provide students with vital resources such as college and testing prep, private lessons, classroom enhancements, instruments, financial aid, and scholarships.

    For the second year in a row, USPA Global/U.S. Polo Assn. established two $5,000 college scholarships to benefit graduating seniors at the A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. The school is a renowned public arts magnet high school dedicated to providing academic excellence in West Palm Beach, Florida. The recipients were Vejas Roby and Eszter Veres.

    These scholarships, graciously donated through the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation, signify U.S. Polo Assn.’s commitment to fostering artistic and academic excellence in Palm Beach County.

    “We are deeply grateful to U.S. Polo Assn. for their generous support, which plays a vital role in expanding access to the art, music, and design resources our talented students need to thrive,” said Dr. Chris Snyder, Executive Director of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation. “This continued partnership not only empowers our school community but also opens doors for exceptional graduating students through meaningful scholarship opportunities that help elevate their academic and artistic journeys.”

    The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation provides support for the arts and academic curriculum at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, a public arts high school, ranked #91 out of nearly 25,000 public high schools in the nation, among the ten best schools in Florida, and the #1 public school in Palm Beach County. Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation, Inc. | P.O. Box 552, West Palm Beach, FL 33402 | Phone 561-805-6298 | info@soafi.org

    About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global

    U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890 and based at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. This year, U.S. Polo Assn. celebrates 135 years of sports inspiration alongside the USPA. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.

    U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

    For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn. 

    USPA Global is a subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. For more sports content, visit globalpolo.com.

    ###

    Photo Captions:

    1. L to R: CEO of Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation Dr. Chris Snyder, Students Vejas Roby and Eszter Veres, President and CEO of USPA Global J. Michael Prince, USPA Global Vice President of PR Stacey Kovalsky.

    2. L to R: Dreyfoos Student Vejas Roby, President and CEO of USPA Global J. Michael Prince, and Dreyfoos Student Eszter Veres at the Derby of Dreams: Racing for the Arts and Academics at the USPA National Polo Center.

    3. Grammy and Tony Award Winner and Jersey Boys star John Lloyd Young performs at the Derby of Dreams: Racing for the Arts and Academics at the USPA National Polo Center.

    4. President and CEO of USPA Global J. Michael Prince accepts his honor for his outstanding contributions to arts and education at the Derby of Dreams: Racing for the Arts and Academics at the USPA National Polo Center.

    Source: U.S. Polo Assn.

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  • United States Polo Association (USPA) Supports Work To Ride with $1 Million Grant for Facility Expansion

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    PHILADELPHIA, PA AND WEST PALM BEACH, FL, May 1, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The United States Polo Association (USPA) and Work to Ride are pleased to announce that the USPA has awarded a $1 million grant to Work to Ride (WTR), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to equine sports and education based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    The funding will support the completion of a new 45,000-square-foot indoor riding facility, the McCausland Arena, at the Chamounix Equestrian Center, located just 10 minutes from Center City and home to the WTR program. The grant is specifically aimed at aiding in the completion of the new facility (Phase 1), further enabling WTR to provide year-round programming and services for the first time in 30 years.

    Additionally, the project will benefit Philadelphia’s community and the greater Philadelphia area, with a continued focus on targeting youth in surrounding neighborhoods with high concentrations of under-resourced families through after-school programming featuring equestrian programs, polo training, and equine education. While the USPA grant is dedicated to Phase 1, the broader project also encompasses the future refurbishment of the existing 50-year-old equestrian center and stable (Phase 2). This phase will create a safe, functional, and welcoming space for youth and horses, with plans to include new windows, roofing, and updated learning areas and bathrooms.

    “I am beyond thrilled to announce this partnership with the USPA, U.S. Polo Assn., and USPA Global,” stated Kareem Rosser, Executive Vice President of Work to Ride. “Both Work to Ride’s and the USPA’s interscholastic and intercollegiate programs have had a profound impact on my life, offering a rare opportunity to participate in a sport that has transformed my future. I’m especially excited about their meaningful contribution to our project and their ongoing commitment to making polo more accessible and inclusive for all.”

    This partnership with USPA, U.S. Polo Assn., and USPA Global underscores a shared commitment to advancing the growth of the sport of polo while simultaneously enhancing the visibility and impact of all involved parties. Additionally, providing a space for USPA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic programs, USPA events, and other USPA activities further fosters youth participation and strengthens the sport’s continued development.

    “We are proud to support Work to Ride, an organization that has made a lasting impact on under-resourced urban youth through polo and other equine disciplines and education. This partnership strengthens our commitment to fostering the next generation of polo players and providing them with valuable life skills,” said Chris Green, Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of USPA.

    As part of this grant agreement between the USPA and Work to Ride, U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the USPA, will be the Official Apparel and Jersey Sponsor for Work to Ride. The multi-billion-dollar global sports brand will provide team jerseys, whites, and polo gear bags for all Work to Ride program participants. U.S. Polo Assn. will also provide staff apparel for Work to Ride employees at the facility for events. 

    “U.S. Polo Assn. is thrilled to give our support to the Work to Ride Program, an organization that empowers youth through horsemanship, equine sports and education,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and markets the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “Through this program, we will not only support the community but also the next generation of polo players and their equine partners while deepening our authentic connection to the sport.”

    Founded in 1994, Work to Ride is a community-based program that aids Philadelphia’s under-resourced youth through constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports, and education. The program is housed at Chamounix Equestrian Center, located in West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. This setting provides a unique opportunity to bring Philadelphia’s youth in contact with animals and nature.

    Work to Ride is designed as a long-term program for 8- to 18-year-old students who must commit to a minimum of one year of participation. Through participation in evidence-based programs, students are working early mornings and after school for the opportunity to acquire life skills such as responsibility, decision making, and leadership while they learn to ride horses and play polo. In the process, they learn that the life limitations they see around them in local neighborhoods may not have to be so limiting after all.

    For 25 years, WTR has been a successful participant in the USPA’s Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Program. WTR participants and graduates have surpassed expectations, competing in and winning interscholastic and intercollegiate tournaments. To further strengthen this success, the planned building and renovations are essential for the expansion of programs and services, providing more young people with the opportunity to engage in this unique, urban equestrian community in the largest urban park in the United States and ensuring its sustainability for years to come.

    About Work to Ride

    Founded in 1994, Work to Ride (WTR) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit community-based prevention program that aids Philadelphia’s under-resourced youth through constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports, and education. The program is housed at Chamounix Equestrian Center, located in West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. This setting provides a unique opportunity to bring Philadelphia’s youth in contact with animals and nature. Work to Ride has been featured on ESPN:E60, HBO Real Sports, and Sports Illustrated, to name a few. For more information, visit www.worktoride.net and follow on Instagram and on Facebook.

    About United States Polo Association

    The United States Polo Association® is organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo; coordinating the activities of its member clubs and registered player members; arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions and games; and providing rules, handicaps and tournament conditions for those events. Its overarching goals are improving the sport and promoting the safety and welfare of its human and equine participants. Founded in 1890, the USPA is the largest voluntary sports organization in North America for the sport of polo. The USPA is currently made up of more than 200 member clubs and over 5,000 registered player members. It annually awards and oversees roughly 50 national tournaments hosted by its member clubs. For more information, please visit uspolo.org.

    About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global

    U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890 and based at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. This year, U.S. Polo Assn. celebrates 135 years of sports inspiration alongside the USPA. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.

    U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global.In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

    For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn. 

    USPA Global is a subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. For more sports content, visit globalpolo.com.

    United States Polo Association:
    Visit the USPA website at www.uspolo.org
    Follow us on social media at:
    Instagram: @uspoloassociation
    Facebook: @USPoloAssociation
    X: @PoloAssociation
    YouTube: @USPAPoloNetwork
    #USPAPoloPlayer #USPALive

    USPA Global:
    Visit the U.S. Polo Assn. website at www.uspoloassnglobal.com
    Follow us on social media at:
    Instagram: @uspoloassn
    Facebook: @U.S. Polo Assn.
    X: @uspoloassn
    #USPoloAssn

    Source: U.S. Polo Assn.

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  • Global Sports Brand U.S. Polo Assn. Sponsors the Johnson History Museum ‘Wish You Were Here’ Exhibit in The Palm Beaches

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    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., November 21, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA) is proud to support the Historical Society of Palm Beach County (HSPBC) by highlighting the sport of polo in the much-anticipated Grand Exhibition at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, Wish You Were Here: Tourism in The Palm Beaches. This meaningful exhibition explores the industry behind 150 years of fun and games and R&R, in partnership with Discover The Palm Beaches. Wish You Were Here: Tourism in The Palm Beaches is open to the public through June 28, 2025.  

    As part of this exhibit, the U.S. Polo Assn./USPA installation celebrates the beauty of equestrian sports in The Palm Beaches, with Wellington, Florida, renowned as “The Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.” A stunning display of polo’s most significant moments includes some of the most illustrious polo events taking place at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida, such as the Gauntlet of Polo series and the historic XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship. In addition, visitors can see memorabilia from the Polo Museum and Hall of Fame, vintage polo equipment, and U.S. Polo Assn. brand apparel and accessories, as well as the custom-designed jerseys and medals from the recent Paris Games Polo Challenge.  

    “The sport of polo and the U.S. Polo Assn. brand are honored to be part of such a meaningful exhibition in Palm Beach County, and I thank the Historical Society of Palm Beach County (HSPBC) for bringing sports to the forefront for locals and tourists to enjoy and experience,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and oversees the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “We are proud to be headquartered in The Palm Beaches, and for our contribution to the county, with polo attracting thousands of national and international tourists.” 

    “Our Palm Beach County attendance grows every year due to the popularity of the sport and the global U.S. Polo Assn. brand, the expansion of the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) and now polo being broadcast on ESPN platforms,” Prince added. 

    As part of the installation, a sizzle reel is on display sharing the highlights of the sport and the global impact of the brand, including a focus on the exciting partnership with ESPN.  Of particular historic meaning is the sport of polo’s upcoming 135th Anniversary in the U.S., with its notable sport headquarters here in Wellington and U.S. Polo Assn.’s global brand headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida. An interactive QR code also enables visitors to learn even more about the brand and the sport. 

    Jeremy Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the HSPBC, expressed his pleasure in forming this partnership with the U.S. Polo Assn. brand, “The sport of polo has added a wonderful aspect to Palm Beach County over nearly half a century, particularly in Wellington in our western communities. The economic impact is important, and it achieves it with elegance, excitement, and an international flavor.” 

    About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global 

    U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the country’s oldest sports governing bodies, founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. Historic deals with ESPN and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time. 

    U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world. 

    For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and uspashop.com, and follow @uspoloassn.  

    USPA Global is a subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. For more sports content, visit globalpolo.com. 

    About The Historical Society 
    The Historical Society of Palm Beach County is a nonprofit organization founded in 1937 to collect, preserve, and share the history of Palm Beach County and the larger context of Florida. The HSPBC operates and maintains the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, an admission-free, accessible institution featuring high quality, interactive exhibits. Funds raised by the Society provide critical education programs to the school children of Palm Beach County. To learn more, call 561.832.4164 ext. 100 or visit pbchistory.org.  

    Source: U.S. Polo Assn.

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  • An 82-year-old equestrian’s secret to staying young

    An 82-year-old equestrian’s secret to staying young

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    >> 82 YEAR-OLD HORSEBACK RIDERS SADDLING UP FOR HIS NEXT COMPETITION. IF SUCCESSFUL, HE WOULD BECOME PART OF AN EXCLUSIVE CLUB OF RIDERS. NBC TWO’S RACHEL WHALEN SHOWS US HOW IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO PURSUE YOUR PASSIONS. IN TONIGHT’S STORY, TO SHARE. >> ONE THING ABOUT HENRY WATSON. HE’S GOT TO TELL IT TO YOU STRAIGHT. YES, STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH. GENERALLY SPEAKING OUT, A LOT PEOPLE OR COURSES. WE HAVE NEVER LOTTERY. IF THEY’RE AFRAID THEY’LL TEAR. >> IF THEY’RE THEY WON LAUGHTER. WE MET HENRY AND HIS HORSE SMOOTH BULLET TO GET AT THE HIDDEN HAVEN RANCH IN NORTH FORT MYERS, DOING TRICKS. GOOD BOY AND PRACTICING FOR THE NEXT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA JURORS. SASHA, LET ME SHOW YOU HOURS CAN DO. >> THAT’S THE ESSENCE WHERE THEY’LL BE JUDGED ON HOW THEY PERFORM A SERIES OF MOVES. LOT TO HIM HERE NOW AND SEE WHAT HE DID. YOUR COOKIE. >> YOU WANT TO OKAY? I DON’T HAVE >> WHEN HENRY AND BULLETS COMPETES ON SATURDAY OCTOBER. 26 MIL OFFICIALLY BE A PART OF THE CENTURY CLUB BECAUSE BULLETS IS 20 AND HENRY IS 82. IT’S NEVER TOO LATE. AND THAT’S THIS CENTURY RIDE IS ALL ABOUT. IN FACT, HENRY DIDN’T EVEN START COMPETING INTO HIS GOLDEN YEARS. HE BOUGHT HIS FIRST HORSE AT 70 YEARS OLD. SOMETHING ALWAYS WANTED ALWAYS DREAMED ABOUT WRITTEN BOOKS ABOUT, YOU KNOW, LOOK, WATCH THEM ON TV AND >> THAT KIND OF THING. YOU’RE JUST. BUT IT WAS NEVER. POSSIBLE. BULLETS BEEN BY HIS SIDE EVER SINCE THROUGH A COUPLE HURRICANES AND HEALTH SCARES. >> LAST MARCH BULLET SPENT 12 DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL. IT LIKE ONE OF MY CHILDREN. HAD A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION BECAUSE YOU. >> AS A RETIRED PERSON IN BECOME YOUR FAMILY. NOW BULLET IS BACK HEALTHY AND READY TO COMPETE. >> THE COMPETITION’S KEPT HENRY VIBRANT TO FROM MIKE TOLD ME THIS ONE HOURS. GETTING RID YOUR TIME TO REMEMBER WHO IT WAS, SHARES YOU BETTER FIND SOMETHING TO DO TO GET INVOLVED YOU DON’T GO HOME AND SIT ON THE COUCH OR YOU DIE. THAT’S PICKLEBALL SO GREAT. IT REALLY IS JUST KEEPING PEOPLE OUT ALIVE. I DON’T LIKE >> OPT FOR THE HORSES. >> IN FORT MYERS, RACHEL WHALEN NBC 2 THAT. WORDS OF WISDOM. YOU GOT TO KEEP DOING STUFF TH

    An 82-year-old equestrian’s secret to staying young

    An 82-year-old horseback rider is saddling up for his next competition. If successful, he’ll become a part of an exclusive club of riders.”Generally speaking, I don’t like people. I like horses,” said Henry Watson.Hearst sister station WBBH met Watson and his horse Smooth Bullet at Hidden Haven Ranch in North Fort Myers as they were doing tricks and practicing for the next Southwest Florida dressage show. They’ll be judged there for a series of moves. “Let me show you what my horse can do. That’s the essence of it,” said Watson.When Watson and Smooth Bullet compete on Saturday, Oct. 26, they will officially become a part of the Century Club. That’s when the age of the rider and their horse equals 100. Henry is 82 and Smooth Bullet is 20. “It’s never too late, and that’s what this Century ride is all about,” said Watson.Watson started competing in these shows during his golden years. He bought his first horse at 70 years old. “It was something I always wanted, always dreamed about,” said Watson.Smooth Bullet has been by his side ever since, even through a couple of hurricanes and a health scare. Last March, Smooth Bullet spent 12 days in the hospital for a colic. “It was like one of my children had a life-threatening situation because, as a retired person, they become your family. They’re not livestock,” said Watson.Now, Bullet is back to being healthy and ready to compete. The competition has kept Watson healthy, too. “Somebody told me this when I was getting ready to retire, and I don’t even remember who it was. He says, ‘You better find something to do, to get involved in. You don’t go home and sit on the couch, or you die.’” said Watson. “That’s why pickleball is so great. It really is. It’s keeping people alive. I don’t like it. I prefer the horses.”

    NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. —

    An 82-year-old horseback rider is saddling up for his next competition. If successful, he’ll become a part of an exclusive club of riders.

    “Generally speaking, I don’t like people. I like horses,” said Henry Watson.

    Hearst sister station WBBH met Watson and his horse Smooth Bullet at Hidden Haven Ranch in North Fort Myers as they were doing tricks and practicing for the next Southwest Florida dressage show. They’ll be judged there for a series of moves. “Let me show you what my horse can do. That’s the essence of it,” said Watson.

    When Watson and Smooth Bullet compete on Saturday, Oct. 26, they will officially become a part of the Century Club. That’s when the age of the rider and their horse equals 100. Henry is 82 and Smooth Bullet is 20. “It’s never too late, and that’s what this Century ride is all about,” said Watson.

    Watson started competing in these shows during his golden years. He bought his first horse at 70 years old. “It was something I always wanted, always dreamed about,” said Watson.

    Smooth Bullet has been by his side ever since, even through a couple of hurricanes and a health scare. Last March, Smooth Bullet spent 12 days in the hospital for a colic.

    “It was like one of my children had a life-threatening situation because, as a retired person, they become your family. They’re not livestock,” said Watson.

    Now, Bullet is back to being healthy and ready to compete. The competition has kept Watson healthy, too.

    “Somebody told me this when I was getting ready to retire, and I don’t even remember who it was. He says, ‘You better find something to do, to get involved in. You don’t go home and sit on the couch, or you die.’” said Watson. “That’s why pickleball is so great. It really is. It’s keeping people alive. I don’t like it. I prefer the horses.”

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  • Fire destroys main post office in Philippine capital, a nearly 100-year-old neo-classical landmark

    Fire destroys main post office in Philippine capital, a nearly 100-year-old neo-classical landmark

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    A massive fire has destroyed the main post office in the Philippine capital, a nearly 100-year-old neo-classical landmark

    MANILA, Philippines — A massive fire tore through Manila’s historic post office building overnight, slightly injuring one person and and razing the nearly 100-year-old landmark in the Philippine capital, police and postal officials said Monday.

    The fire started before midnight in the basement of the neo-classical, five-story building and was brought under control Monday morning more than seven hours after it began, firefighters said.

    An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire and what was damaged, officials said.

    The Manila Central Post Office was one of the capital’s busiest office buildings but was closed when the fire started. The building was the country’s main mail-sorting and distribution hub and was the central office for the Philippine Postal Corporation.

    Postal service in the Philippines began during the Spanish colonial period with horse-riding mail couriers.

    The building now recognized as a national landmark was built in 1926 with high columns in the traditional neo-classical style. It was severely damaged during World War II and was rebuilt in 1946.

    It is located along the Pasig River and on a main intersection of the capital’s key roads.

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  • First evidence for horseback riding dates back 5,000 years

    First evidence for horseback riding dates back 5,000 years

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    WASHINGTON — Archaeologists have found the earliest direct evidence for horseback riding – an innovation that would transform history – in 5,000 year old human skeletons in central Europe.

    “When you get on a horse and ride it fast, it’s a thrill – I’m sure ancient humans felt the same way,” said David Anthony, a co-author of the study and Hartwick College archaeologist. “Horseback riding was the fastest a human could go before the railroads.”

    Researchers analyzed more than 200 Bronze Age skeletal remains in museum collections in Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic to look for signs of what co-author and University of Helsinki anthropologist Martin Trautmann calls “horse rider syndrome” – six tell-tale markers that indicate a person was likely riding an animal, including characteristic wear marks on the hip sockets, thigh bone and pelvis.

    “You can read bones like biographies,” said Trautmann, who has previously studied similar wear patterns in skeletons from later periods when horseback riding is well-established in the historical record.

    The researchers focused on human skeletons — which are more readily preserved than horse bones in burial sites and museums – and identified five likely riders who lived around 4,500 to 5,000 years ago and belonged to a Bronze Age people called the Yamnaya.

    “There is earlier evidence for harnessing and milking of horses, but this is the earliest direct evidence so far for horseback riding,” said University of Exeter archaeologist Alan Outram, who was not involved in the research, but praised the approach.

    The study was published Friday in the journal Science Advances.

    Domesticating wild horses on the plains of Eurasia was a process, not a single event, the researchers say.

    Archaeologists have previously found evidence of people consuming horse milk in dental remains and indications of horses controlled by harnesses and bits dating back more than 5,000 years, but that does not necessarily indicate the horses were ridden.

    The Yamnaya culture, known for its characteristic burial mounds, originated in what’s now part of Ukraine and western Russia, an area called the Pontic Caspian steppe. The horses they kept were distinct from modern horses – likely more easily startled and less tolerant of humans – although they may have been the immediate genetic ancestors of modern horses, which emerged a few centuries later, the researchers say.

    The Yamnaya are most significant because of their dramatic expansion across Eurasia in only a few generations — moving westward to Hungary and eastward to Mongolia, said University of Helsinki archaeologist and co-author Volker Heyd.

    “The spread of Indo European languages is linked to their movement, and they reshaped the genetic make-up of Europe,” he said.

    Their relationship with horses may have partly enabled this stunning movement, the researchers suggest. “Horses expand the concept of distance – you begin to think about places previously out of reach as being reachable,” said co-author Anthony, the Hartwick College archaeologist.

    That does not mean the Yamnaya people were warriors on horseback, as the horses they rode were likely too skittish for stressful battlefield situations, he said. But horses may have allowed the Yamnaya to more effectively send communications, build alliances and manage the herds of cattle that were central to their economy.

    Because only a small percentage of the skeletons studied clearly showed all six markers of riding horseback, “it seems that a minority of the people at that time were riders – that does not suggest that a whole society was built on horseback riding,” said molecular archaeologist Ludovic Orlando, who is based at the Centre for Anthropobiology and Genomics of Toulouse in France and was not involved in the research.

    Still, he praised the work for helping to better pinpoint the potential genesis of horseback riding.

    “This is about the origins of something that impacted human history like only a few other things have,” said Orlando.

    ___

    Follow Christina Larson on Twitter at @larsonchristina.

    ___

    The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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  • U.S. Polo Assn. Supports Collegiate Polo Teams for the 2023 Polo Season

    U.S. Polo Assn. Supports Collegiate Polo Teams for the 2023 Polo Season

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    Global, Sport-Inspired Lifestyle Brand Reaches Five Years of Collegiate Partnership Program

    Press Release
    –

    Feb 7, 2023


    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., February 7, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), will outfit competitive collegiate polo players for the fifth consecutive year through its nationwide Collegiate Partnership Program (CPP) for the 2023 Collegiate Polo Season. 

    A total of 29 colleges have signed up to participate in U.S. Polo Assn.’s annual CPP, representing 47 collegiate teams with 28 women’s and 19 men’s teams. Enrollment for the sports enrichment program is open to all colleges and universities with a USPA-sanctioned polo team and lasts for one academic year. Teams in the program range from East Coast to West Coast and include small private and large public institutions, as well as Ivy Leagues and Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs). New schools joining the program this year include Grossmont College and Middle Tennessee State University. 

    Participating Schools Include:

    Cal Poly State University  Oregon State University University of California Davis University of South Carolina Aiken
    Colorado State University Skidmore College University of California Santa Barbara University of Virginia
    Grossmont College St. Edwards University University of Colorado University of Wisconsin- Madison
    Michigan State University Stanford University University of Idaho Virginia Tech University
    Middle Tennessee State University Texas A&M University University of Kentucky Yale University
    Montana State University Texas Christian University University of Massachusetts  
    Morehouse College Texas Tech University University of Michigan
         		  
    Oklahoma State University Trinity University University of North Texas  

    Through this program, U.S. Polo Assn. will provide student-athletes with complete game attire that includes customized performance team jerseys, white performance pants, polo shirts, caps and equipment gear bags. A monetary donation is also given to the teams, which can be used for travel or other expenses. 

    For the first time, a USPA Pro item will be donated to all student-athletes. The USPA Pro performance products are designed in collaboration with professional polo players. There will also be a “Collegiate Social Media Contest” where teams will have the opportunity to win additional prizes for their creative social media posts.

    Sanctioned by the USPA, collegiate polo teams compete in the Fall and Spring with the official season beginning September 2022 and running through April 2023. This season will conclude with the National Intercollegiate Championship (NIC) hosted at the Virginia Polo Center in Charlottesville, VA, from April 10-15, 2023. The Men’s and Women’s NIC Finals will air on ESPNU on April 15, 2023. Check your local listings for game times.

    “U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to continue our support of student-athletes across the country through our Collegiate Partnership Program because these athletes are the future of the game,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “As the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), we want to continue growing and building our authentic connection to the sport of polo, and the Collegiate Partnership Program, now in its fifth year, is one of our most rewarding programs.” 

    An exciting new addition for student-athletes this season was the implementation of the College Polo Tour. This exchange program between America and Argentina supported 21 collegiate polo players on a seven-day trip to Argentina for the opportunity to compete in both grass polo and arena polo, tour the renowned Ellerstina Polo Club, attend one of the heart-stopping Argentine Polo Open Semi-Finals and more. Players from Yale University, Harvard University, Cornell University, and Georgetown University, alongside other Argentinean polo players, had the opportunity to experience this program in November 2022.

    “We are excited to continue our partnership with U.S. Polo Assn. and all of the amazing opportunities available to our student-athletes,” said Liz Brayboy, Chair of the USPA’s Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Committee. “We look forward to an exciting 2022/2023 Collegiate Polo Season and are grateful to have the support of the official brand of the United States Polo Association for these important polo programs across the United States.”

    About U.S. Polo Assn. 

    U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the non-profit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores as well as sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. was named in the top five sports licensors in 2022, according to License Global. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

    About the United States Polo Association® (USPA)

    The United States Polo Association was organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo, coordinating the activities of its Member Clubs and Registered Players, arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions and games, and providing rules, handicaps, and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, and games including the safety and welfare of participants and mounts. Founded in 1890, the USPA is the national governing body for the sport of polo. The USPA is currently comprised of almost 200 member clubs with thousands of individual members and oversees 40 national tournaments. For more information, please visit uspolo.org.

    Source: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

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  • Lolahol’s “Cuntradiction” Video: A Familiar Equine Scene

    Lolahol’s “Cuntradiction” Video: A Familiar Equine Scene

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    Seeming to no longer have any qualms about following in her mother’s footsteps, Lolahol—still better known as Lourdes Leon—has not only stepped up behind the microphone to record an album (okay, an EP) called Go, but she’s also shown that she takes no issue with emulating Madonna’s visuals either. And we’re not just talking about the “Like A Virgin”-esque writhing and general hyper-sexual image. No, Lolahol has gone into Madonna’s aesthetic vault to bring us a video concept centered on horses.

    To those who regularly see Madonna on Instagram, it doesn’t take long to realize that the video for the second single (after “Lock&Key”), “Cuntradiction,” makes optimal use of Madonna’s Bridgehampton realm. One in which we frequently see her feeding and riding horses in the various photos and videos she posts. But hey, why shouldn’t Lolahol make good use of that property? It is likely part of her inevitable inheritance, after all. However, more than just Madonna riding horses in her day-to-day life (even after falling off of one in 2005), she also long ago incorporated them into her work (the most current example being “Medellín”). This transpired rather notably in a Steven Klein (a fellow Bridgehampton resident) video and photoshoot that served as backdrops during Madonna’s 2006 Confessions Tour (specifically for the opening, “I Feel Love/Future Lovers”). As is to be expected, Madonna, at times, gets very suggestive in her interactions with the horse (tranquilized or not), with one image featuring her lying on top of its side smoking a cigarette. Lolahol furnishes us with a similar pose (minus the cigarette) via direction from Anna Pollack.

    A bed in the corner of the hay-filled stable lends added kink to the très Equus-oriented motif. Interspersed “disturbing” shots of horses filmed in black-and-white or nightshot mode are meant to lend perhaps a tinge of “horror” to the bestial flavor. And, speaking of, as Lolahol sensually sings, “I want it to last/But I want it to end,” she leans back while mounted atop a horse in “bondage”-y lingerie that Rihanna would surely approve of (and yes, Lola already made her debut as a Fenty model in the Savage X Fenty Vol. 3 show). And also, of course, her mother, who, like, invented such provocative scenes and maneuvers (see: Sex).

    While some children might have run in the other direction away from “that life” (kind of like Rocco Ritchie running into the arms of Madonna’s ex-husband back in 2015), Lola has very much decided to embrace it. Dare one even say, “carry the torch.” The very “fire” Madonna tried to symbolically pass on to Britney and Xtina at that 2003 VMAs performance… yet neither pop star has been able to fully embrace it in the long-run (Britney for obvious reasons). And, incidentally, since Lourdes “played” a flower girl at the beginning of the aforementioned performance and then graduated to full-on “Like A Virgin” bride regalia for the 2009 “Celebration” video, maybe all the writhing and gyrating she’s employing in the present was foreshadowed.

    More of which comes after the first round of “stable scenes,” when things start to get “impressionistic” as we’re shown images of Lolahol eating an apple (yes, how “profound” on the symbolism front) and other assorted fruits before we see her lounging sideways on a banquet table and then smashing some grapes… and, predictably, crawling/writhing (again, very Madonna) across it.

    Another tableau presents itself when Lola and a suspended rope appear in an empty barn as she proceeds to “do sexy shit” with it. This leads into another dirt-filled barn where horses run around amid mirrors that reflect their image back to them in a manner that, one would think, might cause an inevitable snafu. But anyway, that’s not the real standout of this portion, so much as Lola vaguely recreating the pouring of sand on her body the way Madonna does in the “Don’t Tell Me” video (the moment, it could be said, that M’s own fascination with horses first began). Implementing the dance moves she studied in school (as her mother did before dropping out), Lolahol does everything to give the most while pretending to do the least.

    In the final scenes, Pollack captures footage of a butterfly on Lola’s hand (cue Lana Del Rey’s “Happiness Is A Butterfly”), followed by the image of crushed grapes that remind one of what Caroline Polachek’s vibe was in “Billions.” It’s all concluded with a black-and-white image of a horse running away through the field. Likely back to Madonna’s crotch.

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    Genna Rivieccio

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  • Historic XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship Concludes

    Historic XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship Concludes

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    USA Team Wins Silver in Global Competition, with Spain Winning Gold 11-10 in Sudden Death


    WELLINGTON, Fla., November 10, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship, hosted by the United States Polo Association (USPA) and U.S. Polo Assn. and presented by The Palm Beaches concluded this weekend with USA Team winning silver in the global competition, with Spain winning gold 11-10 in a thrilling sudden death overtime face-off. Held at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) – Wellington, this is only the second time in the competition’s history that the FIP World Championship has been held in the United States.

    “I would like to thank all of the FIP World Polo Championship sponsors, particularly Discover the Palm Beaches, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and ESPN,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, the company that oversees and manages the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “Having the ability to broadcast globally across ESPN has brought tremendous awareness to the sport and our U.S. Polo Assn. brand while showing fans around the world the excitement of the sport.

    “Congratulations to USA Team for their outstanding play in this international competition, for their peak performance among some of the world’s best players,” he added.

    Highlights of the tournament included a heart-stopping semi-final with USA beating Argentina 9-8, also in sudden death overtime, and allowing them to advance to the Final. Until this week, Argentina was the reigning Champion, winning the FIP title in 2017 in Sydney, Australia, the last time the event was played. The USA Team last captured the title in 1989 in Germany.

    The USPA selected the most talented polo players to represent the USA Team. Ranging in age from 17 to 25, the seven American players were Nico Diaz Alberdi, Agustin Arellano, Hope Arellano, Joaquin Avendaño, Lucas Escobar, Nico Escobar, and Jake Klentner.

    Of this extremely accomplished roster, Hope Arellano at just 19 years old made history. As the first woman to play for the USA Team and in the competition overall, she was a standout – scoring multiple goals in the Semi-Finals and the Final. Agustin and Hope’s father Julio Arellano served as USA Team coach, with such credentials as winning the FIP tournament with his own team in 1989.

    In addition, there were two sets of siblings playing for USA Team – Lucas and Nico Escobar alongside Agustin and Hope Arellano, both U.S. Polo Assn. brand ambassadors. Ultimately, Nico Escobar was the team’s leading scorer throughout the FIP tournament, scoring six of the goals in the Final.

    Serving as the host country, the United States welcomed seven other countries for the opportunity for international polo glory, including Argentina, Australia, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Spain and Uruguay. To qualify to advance to the XII FIP World Polo Championship, these teams played in five zone playoffs, which involved more than 20 countries vying for the opportunity of a lifetime to represent their nation on an international stage.

    “It was an honor for the United States Polo Association and the USPA National Polo Center – Wellington, to host this remarkable event and be able to bring people from around the world together right here in Palm Beach County,” said Stewart Armstrong, USPA Chairman. “We are incredibly proud of the USA Team for their outstanding performance to place second among these great countries and exceptional athletes. The USPA looks forward to the official opening of polo season in Florida this coming January.”

    Featuring top-rated polo fields, VIP experiences for both fans and players, and unrivaled corporate hospitality, the XII FIP World Polo Championship was an exceptional and unforgettable global event for players, sponsors and spectators. Preliminary games were held at Valiente Polo Farm and the Opening Ceremony, Opening Game, and Final took place at NPC’s U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium Field.

    Palm Beach County was the ideal location for this global event, attracting South Florida’s enthusiastic polo and equestrian community as well as passionate sports fans from around the world. The 2022 tournament drew the attention of the global polo community to Wellington, “the winter equestrian capital of the world,” with the XII FIP World Polo Championship Opening broadcast on ESPN.

    “The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is a proud sponsor and supporter of the sport of polo, and the XII FIP World Polo Championship represents a major victory for the county and the state of Florida,” added George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. “Sports and sports tourism is a huge part of this county’s identity, with the USPA National Polo Center – Wellington considered the most recognizable equestrian sporting venue in America. This historic event was thrilling for everyone involved, and we were honored to participate.”

    U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), served as the Official Apparel Sponsor for the XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship presented by The Palm Beaches. Outfitting the teams with custom-designed performance jerseys, U.S. Polo Assn. was proud to join forces once again with FIP to showcase the brand during the pinnacle of international polo competition. The U.S. Polo Assn. event collection is available online at USPA Pro.

    For more information, visit the FIP World Polo Championship.  

    About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)

    U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores as well as sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in 190 countries worldwide. Today, U.S. Polo Assn. is ranked among the top five sports licensors in the world, according to License Global. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com.

    USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and its exclusive worldwide licensor. USPAGL manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand and is the steward of the USPA’s intellectual properties, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, the world’s leading digital platform with polo and lifestyle content. In addition, USPAGL partners with ESPN and beIN Sports globally to share the sport of polo broadcasts on television and on-demand to millions of viewers around the world. For more polo content visit globalpolo.com.

    Source: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

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  • U.S. Polo Assn. Welcomes the XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship to Palm Beach County, Florida

    U.S. Polo Assn. Welcomes the XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship to Palm Beach County, Florida

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    The Top-Rated International Polo Teams to Compete at USPA National Polo Center – Wellington

    Press Release
    –

    Oct 13, 2022


    WELLINGTON, Fla., October 13, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), is the Official Apparel Sponsor for the XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship presented by The Palm Beaches. Held at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) – Wellington beginning Saturday, Oct. 29 through Sunday, Nov. 6, this is only the second time in the competition’s history that it’s been held in the United States.

    Serving as the host country, the United States will welcome seven countries for the opportunity for international polo glory, including Argentina, Australia, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Spain and Uruguay. To qualify as one of the teams to advance to the FIP World Polo Championship, these teams played in five zone playoffs, which involved more than 20 countries vying for the opportunity of a lifetime to represent their nation on an international stage. Argentina is the reigning Champion, winning the FIP title in 2017 in Sydney, Australia, the last time the event was played. The USA Team last captured the title in 1989 in Germany. 

    Outfitting the teams with custom-designed performance jerseys as the Official Apparel Partner, U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to join forces once again with the Federation of International Polo to showcase the brand during the pinnacle of international polo competition. 

    “The XII FIP World Polo Championship is truly a global event that will resonate with our consumers and sports fans around the world, across 190 countries,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, the company that oversees and manages the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “We are also very proud to have our USA Team play in the Opening Game and be featured in the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 29, which will be aired on ESPN for the very first time.”

    The United States Polo Association has selected the most talented players to represent the USA Team. Ranging in age from 17 to 25, the eight American players vying for a spot on the starting roster include Nico Diaz Alberdi, Agustin Arellano, Hope Arellano, Joaquin Avendaño, Lucas Escobar, Nico Escobar, Jake Klentner and Kristos “Keko” Magrini. Of this extremely accomplished roster, Hope Arellano at just 19 years old, stands out, as she is the first woman to play for the USA Team in this competition.

    Featuring top-rated polo fields, VIP experiences for both fans and players, and unrivaled corporate hospitality, the XII FIP World Polo Championship promises to be an exceptional and unforgettable global event for players, sponsors and spectators. Preliminary games will be held at Valiente Polo Farm, and the Opening Ceremony, Opening Game, and Final will take place at NPC’s U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium Field. 

    Ticketed NPC events will include the Opening Ceremony and Opening Game on Saturday, Oct. 29 and the XII FIP World Polo Championship Final on Sunday, Nov. 6. Tickets are available at nationalpolocenter.com.

    U.S. Polo Assn. will also have Official XII FIP World Polo Championship apparel sold exclusively on-site at the event in the USPA Clubhouse and online. The XII FIP World Polo Championship Collection will include T-shirts embellished with the 2022 XII FIP logo, the USPA logo, and all participating team crests. For country-specific swag, T-shirts are available individually representing each of the eight teams competing. Additional merchandise includes a trucker hat, and silk scarves and pocket squares that were made exclusively for the event from France. Coming soon, it will be available online at USPA Pro.

    Palm Beach County is the ideal location for this global event, attracting South Florida’s enthusiastic polo and equestrian community as well as passionate polo fans from around the world. The 2022 tournament will draw the eyes of the global polo community to Wellington, “the winter equestrian capital of the world,” with the FIP World Polo Championship Final broadcast on ESPN. All games will also be available to watch for free on GlobalPolo.com.

    For more information and updates, visit the FIP World Polo Championship.

    About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)

    U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores as well as sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in 190 countries worldwide. Today, U.S. Polo Assn. is ranked the 28th largest licensor in the world and within the top five sports licensors, according to License Global’s 2022 list of “Top Global Licensors.” Visit uspoloassnglobal.com.

    USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and its exclusive worldwide licensor. USPAGL manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand and is the steward of the USPA’s intellectual properties, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, the world’s leading digital platform with polo and lifestyle content. In addition, USPAGL partners with ESPN and beIN Sports globally to share the sport of polo broadcasts on television and on-demand to millions of viewers around the world. For more polo content, visit globalpolo.com.

    Source: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

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  • U.S. Polo Assn. Launches Global Fall 2022 Collection From Scenic Lake Tahoe

    U.S. Polo Assn. Launches Global Fall 2022 Collection From Scenic Lake Tahoe

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    Iconic, Sport-Inspired Lifestyle Brand Celebrates the Season With Soft Silhouettes and Autumn Hues

    Press Release
    –

    Sep 28, 2022


    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., September 28, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), has launched its iconic, sport-inspired Fall Collection for 2022. Resulting in images and video used by U.S. Polo Assn. partners around the world, the brand’s global photoshoot took place in beautiful Lake Tahoe, chosen for the scenic coastline that provided a pristine backdrop against the autumn hues in U.S. Polo Assn.’s newest collection.  

    This season’s global photoshoot showcases models bundled in lakeside layers on the wooded shores of Lake Tahoe, wearing seasonal trends of warm autumn tones and soft silhouettes surrounded by sparkling water, dense forests, and majestic mountains. The autumnal colors of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range provided amazing images for the U.S. Polo Assn. global photoshoot, showcasing the Fall 2022 Collection to consumers in stores and online around the world. Filled with remixed flannels, denim on denim, puffer vests, and long-sleeve polo shirts, the newest collection brings a fresh take on classic American styling. 

    “This collection captures the newest inspiration of the season while consistently maintaining our authentic connection to the sport of polo,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “The launch of the Fall 2022 Collection is an exciting start to the season, as we also announce our participation and support as Official Apparel Partner and Presenting Sponsor of the XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship this fall, featuring the USA Team as a finalist. This event will be held at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) — Wellington, which was recently purchased by the USPA earlier this year.” 

    Touchable texture, color-blocked patterns, and cozy outerwear inspired by rich harvest hues are all standouts in the U.S. Polo Assn. Fall 2022 Collection. Fans of the brand can pair the fall-colored accents of rust, golden oranges and lichen greens with classic neutrals of khaki and indigo to create crisp, classic looks that are perfect for the season. Not to mention, timeless staples such as sweaters, cardigans and denim are all available for men, women and children.

    “The Fall 2022 Collection is just as fresh and exciting as it is classic with a multi-functional approach to creating product that goes from day to night with seasonal fabrics and features,” said Brian Kaminer, SVP of Brand and Product Development for the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “Incorporating soft, comfortable silhouettes was an important element for us to give our consumers this season, keeping ease as much on the forefront as style.” 

    U.S. Polo Assn. is known worldwide for its authentic, sport-inspired style and the brand’s signature red, white and blue stripe detail in each garment. The Fall 2022 Collection follows suit, with bold and fresh assortments combining unique styling, high-quality fabrics, and seasonal comfort, including USPA Life apparel with sustainable elements. 

    About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)

    U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores as well as sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in 190 countries worldwide. Today, U.S. Polo Assn. is ranked the 28th-largest licensor in the world and within the top five sports licensors, according to License Global’s 2022 list of “Top Global Licensors.” Visit uspoloassnglobal.com.

    USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and its exclusive worldwide licensor. USPAGL manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand and is the steward of the USPA’s intellectual properties, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, the world’s leading digital platform with polo and lifestyle content. In addition, USPAGL partners with ESPN and beIN Sports globally to share the sport of polo broadcasts on television and on-demand to millions of viewers around the world. For more polo content, visit globalpolo.com.

    Source: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

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  • Final Preparations for XII FIP World Polo Championship Begin

    Final Preparations for XII FIP World Polo Championship Begin

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    WELLINGTON, Fla., September 15, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The United States Polo Association; U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the USPA; the National Polo Center – Wellington (NPC) and Valiente Polo Farm are making final preparations to host the XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship in Florida this October. Welcoming the international contest to the United States for the second time in the competition’s history, the tournament will take place from Oct. 29 – Nov. 6. Held every three to four years, the international tournament was originally scheduled for 2021 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Representing the top 10- to 14-goal teams from around the world, eight countries will grapple for international polo glory, including Argentina, Australia, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Spain, the United States and Uruguay. 

    To qualify as one of the eight teams to advance to the FIP World Polo Championship, the road begins with five zone playoffs and includes more than 25 countries vying for the opportunity of a lifetime to represent their nation on an international stage. The defending champions (Argentina in 2017) and host country (United States) automatically qualify, and the remaining six teams have been decided from zone competition. Teams advancing from zone playoffs to the FIP World Polo Championship include Mexico (Zone A – North America and Central America), Uruguay (Zone B – South America), Spain and Italy (Zone C – Europe), Australia (Zone D – Asia and Oceania) and Pakistan (Zone E – Africa, Pakistan and India). 

    The strengths of the United States lie in both high-quality horses and a prime location featuring world-class fields and facilities. Home to the GAUNTLET OF POLO®, NPC is the ideal venue for the event, attracting South Florida’s passionate polo and equestrian community. Featuring top-rated polo fields, VIP experiences for both fans and players, and unrivaled corporate hospitality, the XII FIP World Polo Championship promises to be an exceptional and unforgettable global event for players, sponsors and spectators. Preliminary games will be held at Valiente Polo Farm and the opening ceremony, semifinals and final will take place at NPC. Ticketed NPC events will include the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 29, and the XII FIP World Polo Championship Final on Sunday, Nov. 6. Tickets will become available mid-September at nationalpolocenter.com. The 2022 tournament will draw the eyes of the global polo community to the winter equestrian capital of the world with the FIP World Polo Championship semifinals and final broadcast on ESPN for the first time. All games will also be available for free on GlobalPolo.com. 

    XII FIP World Polo Championship Tournament Schedule: 

    *Denotes a ticketed event. 

    Saturday, Oct. 29

    Game 1 Valiente Polo Farm
    Game 2 Valiente Polo Farm
    Game 3 NPC
    Game 4 & Opening Ceremony: USA Team vs. TBD NPC, U.S. Polo Assn. Field One*

    Monday, Oct. 31

    Game 5 Valiente Polo Farm
    Game 6 Valiente Polo Farm
    Game 7 Valiente Polo Farm
    Game 8 Valiente Polo Farm

    Wednesday, Nov. 2

    Game 9 Valiente Polo Farm
    Game 10 Valiente Polo Farm
    Game 11 Valiente Polo Farm
    Game 12 Valiente Polo Farm

    Friday, Nov. 4

    1:00 p.m. ET – Semifinal 1 NPC
    3:00 p.m. ET – Semifinal 2 NPC

    Sunday, Nov. 6

    1:00 p.m. ET – Third Place Match NPC
    3:00 p.m. ET – XII FIP World Polo Championship Final NPC, U.S. Polo Assn. Field One*

    “We are putting in a lot of resources to make this a world-class event,” shared FIP United States Ambassador and USPA President Tony Coppola. “No stone has been left unturned. The string of horses we are going to provide will be great, and the facilities will be fantastic and at their prime. The USPA’s goal is to make this a world-class tournament and showcase what we have now that we own NPC.”

    A defining feature of the XII FIP World Polo Championship is the 176 exceptional horses representing some of the best bloodlines in the world from sole horse provider J5 Equestrian. USPA Executive Director of Services Carlucho Arellano noted the importance of having such high-quality horses for a competition of this caliber, sharing, “Providing good horses is one of the three key ingredients to quality polo, along with great fields and solid management.”

    Further detailing how the horses will be preparing for intense competition, he continued, “The horses are currently in several different locations and have been played during the summer in California and Colorado. They will get some rest time and then come to Wellington a month in advance of the Championship for the legging-up process. The final two weeks of that process will consist of practices that increase in intensity. The teams all arrive by Oct. 26, and they will get to ride their string once and play them in one practice before their first game on Oct. 29.”

    Leading up to the tournament, the horses will also be evaluated and ranked in October by FIP horse master Adam Snow. Snow is a former 10-goaler and Hall of Famer. His experience both in the saddle and in the barn will make him an invaluable asset throughout the event. Snow will rank horses based on their ability and then place them into evenly-matched strings. Each team will be assigned a group of 22 horses, and teams will draw to select their pooled polo ponies in person on Wednesday, Oct. 26. 

    In 1982, to broaden the scope of international polo and restore the sport’s Olympic status, Marcos Uranga created the Federation of International Polo, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Five years later, Uranga and American polo player Glen Holden organized the inaugural FIP World Polo Championship in Argentina. Aware of the challenges of fielding high-goal teams worldwide, FIP organizers decided to limit the competition to teams rated 10 to 14 goals. 

    Capturing the title in Germany in 1989, the United States Polo Association has selected the most talented players to represent the USA team. Selected as the coach for the USA team, former 9-goal professional Julio Arellano was on the winning team in 1989 and is humbled at the opportunity to lead the United States for a FIP title on home soil. 

    Ranging in age from 17 to 25, the eight American players vying for a spot on the starting roster include Nico Diaz Alberdi, Agustin Arellano, Hope Arellano, Joaquin Avendaño, Lucas Escobar, Nico Escobar, Jake Klentner and Kristos “Keko” Magrini. Of this extremely accomplished roster, Hope Arellano stands out, as she is the first woman to ever be considered for the American team. Players will train together in weekly practice games and stick-and-ball sessions for a month in Argentina beginning in September to determine the team’s final lineup. Once the U.S. team returns home, they will begin practicing in Wellington, Florida, and exercising and preparing J5 Equestrian horses for competition leading up to the championship.

    Outfitting the teams with official performance jerseys and equipment as the Official Apparel Partner and Presenting Sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to join forces once again with the FIP World Polo Championship to promote the brand during the pinnacle of international polo competition. “This is truly a global event that will resonate with our consumers and sports fans around the world, across 190 countries. We are also excited our partners at ESPN will broadcast the opening ceremony featuring the USA team,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing.

    For more information and updates, please visit the FIP World Polo Championship landing page.  

    ###

    About the United States Polo Association®  

    The United States Polo Association was organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo, coordinating the activities of its Member Clubs and Registered Players, arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions and games, and providing rules, handicaps, and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, and games including the safety and welfare of participants and mounts. Founded in 1890, the USPA is the national governing body for the sport of polo. The USPA is currently comprised of almost 300 member clubs with thousands of individual members, and oversees 40 national tournaments. For more information, please visit uspolo.org.

    About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)

    U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores as well as sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in 190 countries worldwide. Today, U.S. Polo Assn. is ranked the 28th largest licensor in the world and within the top five sports licensors, according to License Global’s 2022 list of “Top Global Licensors.” Visit uspoloassnglobal.com.

    USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and its exclusive worldwide licensor. USPAGL manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand and is the steward of the USPA’s intellectual properties, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, the world’s leading digital platform with polo and lifestyle content. In addition, USPAGL partners with ESPN and beIN Sports globally to share the sport of polo broadcasts on television and on-demand to millions of viewers around the world. For more polo content visit globalpolo.com.

    About Federation of International Polo (FIP) 

    The Federation of International Polo (FIP) is the international federation representing the sport of polo, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee. It was created in 1982 by representatives of eleven national polo associations. FIP’s principal aim is to enhance the image and status of the great game of polo internationally. 

    FIP’s mission is to promote the practice of the sport of polo worldwide in order to defend and ensure the spirit of fair play and moral fortitude, with the objective of forming the sporting attitude of gentlemanly behavior during and after the game, on the playing fields and wherever polo players should meet, so as to form one great world polo family. FIP currently has 76 registered member associations representing over 23,000 players. For more information, please visit www.fippolo.com. 

    About The National Polo Center – Wellington (NPC)

    The National Polo Center – Wellington is located in the heart of South Florida’s legendary horse country. The perpetual home for polo in America, NPC is owned and managed by the United States Polo Association to showcase the finest the sport has to offer. The Association’s premiere event, the GAUNTLET OF POLO, takes place from February to April each winter season showcasing the world’s preeminent teams, professional athletes and finest horses which come together for three months to battle head-to-head for the coveted C.V. Whitney Cup, USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship trophies. Throughout the year, the facilities are also used to showcase USPA Member Clubs and prestigious national tournament competition.  

    The entrance to the club is via a palm tree-lined drive, that leads past tennis courts to the steps of the magnificent pool and Mallet Grille. The natural Florida terrain is augmented by a large lake, lush tropical landscaping and some of the most carefully manicured polo fields in the world. Spectating from the stadium, private boxes, fieldside tailgates and special hospitality tents, all overlooking the U.S. Polo Assn. Field One is an unparalleled experience. NPC invites you to experience the best polo in the country, taking place at one of the most beautiful venues in the world, the National Polo Center – Wellington

    MEDIA CONTACTS 

    United States Polo Association: 

    Matt Baran, Director of Communications 
    (561) 373-4954 
    mbaran@uspolo.org 

    USPA Global Licensing: 

    Shannon Stilson, Assistant Vice President of Marketing  
    (561) 227-6994 
    sstilson@uspagl.com 

    Federation of International Polo:

    Silvana Rando, Administrative Assistant 
    srando@fippolo.com 

    Veronica Igoa, FIP Social Media 
    Igoa.veronica@gmail.com  

    J5 Equestrian:

    Rob Jornayvaz, Owner 
    Rob@runningironcreative.com 
    Cell: 303-803-3607 
    Alt: 847-840-8408 

    Visit our website at www.uspolo.org
    Follow us on Instagram
    @uspoloassociation 
    @uspoloassn 
    @nationalpolocenter
    @fip_polo 

    Source: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

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  • U.S. Polo Assn. Mourns the Loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Extends Its Sincere Condolences to the Royal Family

    U.S. Polo Assn. Mourns the Loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Extends Its Sincere Condolences to the Royal Family

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    Press Release
    –

    Sep 9, 2022


    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. & WINDSOR, England, September 9, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in conjunction with the USPA and its licensing partner in the United Kingdom, Brand Machine Group (BMG), offer our deepest condolences to the entire Royal Family on the tremendous loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

    Her Majesty The Queen lived a life of extraordinary public service and has been an iconic and illuminating figure not just in the United Kingdom but around the world. She will be remembered globally with great affection and respect for her sense of duty and commitment to her role for more than 70 years.

    “U.S. Polo Assn. has been extremely fortunate to have worked with The Palace in supporting the Royal Family with their philanthropic efforts over the years,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing. “Partnering with both The Duke of Cambridge, HRH Prince William and The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry to carry on the Queen’s philanthropic legacy through the spirit of polo has been, and will continue to be an honor and a privilege.”

    The sport of polo has been part of the Royal Family’s history dating back many generations.

    “The USPA is saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and we extend our most sincere condolences to The Royal Family,” notes Stewart Armstrong, Chairman of the United States Polo Association (USPA). “Her Majesty’s impact is both far reaching and immense. It has always been an honor to partner with The Palace on its philanthropic mission, through polo tournaments in the U.K. and the U.S., which benefit so many deserving charities.”

    Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was just 25 years old when she inherited the throne. She was 27 when she had her coronation ceremony, with 27 million people tuning in to the momentous occasion just in the U.K.

    “Alongside the people of the U.K. and the Commonwealth, Brand Machine Group mourns the death of Her Majesty The Queen,” added Boo Jalil, CEO of U.K.-based Brand Machine Group (BMG). “Her leadership and sacrifice to duty has been unprecedented, and we thank her for her more than 70 years of service to our country.”

    ### 

    For Further Information, Contact: 

    Stacey Kovalsky – Senior Director, Global Communications, USPA Global Licensing
    Phone +001.561.790.8036 – Email: skovalsky@uspagl.com

    Gina DiGregorio | Head of Marketing, Brand Machine Group
    Phone: +44 (0) 1992 538 003| Email: gina.digregorio@brandmachinegroup.com

    Source: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

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  • U.S. Polo Assn. Named Official Apparel Partner of the British Beach Polo Championships 2022 in Sandbanks Beach, England

    U.S. Polo Assn. Named Official Apparel Partner of the British Beach Polo Championships 2022 in Sandbanks Beach, England

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    Press Release
    –

    Jul 12, 2022


    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. & POOLE, England, July 12, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in collaboration with its UK licensee Brand Machine Group (BMG), was the Official Apparel Partner for the British Beach Polo Championships 2022, played July 8-9 at Sandbanks Beach in Poole, England. 

    Through this partnership, U.S. Polo Assn. outfitted the polo players in custom jerseys, provided staff attire as well as branded caps for attendees, social media competitions, and global promotion of the event across various digital platforms. This is the second consecutive year U.S. Polo Assn. has partnered with the British Beach Polo Championships tournament. 

    Now in its 15th year, the British Beach Polo Championships, also known as Sandpolo, is the largest beach polo event in the world. Sandpolo is a unique way to watch and play the sport of polo on the stunning shores of Sandbanks Beach, a prestigious destination known for its luxury properties and pristine sand. A twist on traditional polo, Sandpolo is played with an oversized orange ball designed to be easily seen in the sand but still move at a high speed. 

    In the sold-out Sandbanks Beach Arena, thousands of Sandpolo fans were close enough to the action to see all the fast-paced competition between Team Whispering Angel and Team Singha during the two-day event. In the end, it was Team Whispering Angel (Chris Gregory, Adolfo Casabal & Hazel Jackson) that took the British Beach Championships 2022 title with a 19-11 victory against Team Singha (Garrie Renucci, Ollie Cork & Jimmy Wood).

    “The UK continues to be one of U.S. Polo Assn.’s fastest growing markets, and we are thrilled to again partner with the British Beach Polo Championships to showcase another version of polo in a great destination,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “Aligning our growth strategy with Sandpolo is an opportunity to expose new fans and global consumers through an amazing experience to the sport of polo and the authenticity of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand.”

    Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Sandpolo, the entertainment for players and attendees over the two-day event included glamorous after-parties with themes of ‘Boogie on the Beach’ and ‘Encore Beach Party.’ Musical entertainment included a 14-piece Ibiza Classics Orchestra, The Real Thing, Soul II Soul’s Jazzy B, and an array of DJs.

    “We’d like to thank U.S. Polo Assn. for partnering with the British Beach Polo Championships as the Official Apparel Sponsor for the second year in a row,” said Johnny Wheeler, the Founder and Director of Sandpolo. “Now celebrating our 15th year at Sandbanks, the Sandpolo event continues to receive great exposure and be an incredible experience, thanks in part to U.S. Polo Assn. and the love for polo from sports fans around the world.”

    Worth noting, U.S. Polo Assn. and BMG has an aggressive growth strategy in the UK, opening its first retail store at the McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, which houses the latest men’s and women’s collections from the global, sport-inspired brand. The elevated store design concept is set over 2000 sq. ft., complete with aspirational imagery, the brand’s signature stripe detailing, tech-driven touchless pay, and LED screens for streaming photoshoots and some of the world’s most exciting polo games. 

    Additional photos from the event are available upon request. 

    U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)

    U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores as well as sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in 190 countries worldwide. Today, U.S. Polo Assn. is ranked the 28th largest licensor in the world and within the top five sports licensors, according to License Global magazine’s 2022 list of “Top Global Licensors.” Visit uspoloassnglobal.com.

    USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and its exclusive worldwide licensor. USPAGL manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand and is the steward of the USPA’s intellectual properties, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, the world’s leading digital platform with polo and lifestyle content. In addition, USPAGL partners with ESPN and beIN Sports globally to share the sport of polo broadcasts on television and on-demand to millions of viewers around the world. For more polo content, visit globalpolo.com.

    About Brand Machine Group-United Kingdom

    The Brand Machine Group (BMG) is an international fashion brand owner and licensing specialist, housing a diverse and industry-leading portfolio of fashion, sports and outdoor brands including U.S. Polo Assn., across adults and childrenswear clothing and accessories. With more than 35 years of experience, Brand Machine Group specializes in global licensing, and partners with recognized market leaders to manage a seamless and collaborative process of designing, manufacturing, and delivering quality product whilst championing the DNA of its brands. Visit Brand Machine Group.

    ###

    For Additional Information, Contact:
    Shannon Stilson – sstilson@uspagl.com (Sport queries)
    Stacey Kovalsky – skovalsky@uspagl.com (Press queries)
    Gina DiGregorio –  gina.digregorio@brandmachinegroup.com (Brand queries)

    Source: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

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  • U.S. Polo Assn. Named Sponsor for Duke of Cambridge’s Team and Official Apparel Partner of the 2022 Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Cup

    U.S. Polo Assn. Named Sponsor for Duke of Cambridge’s Team and Official Apparel Partner of the 2022 Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Cup

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    Tournament Benefited the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Official Royal Charities

    Press Release
    –

    Jul 8, 2022


    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./WINDSOR, England, July 8, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in conjunction with its licensing partner in the United Kingdom, Brand Machine Group (BMG), announced it served as the Official Apparel and Team Sponsor for the 2022 Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup. Held at the impressive Windsor Great Park, Flemish Farm’s Guards Polo Club hosted the event on July 6 for the second consecutive year. The Club is one of only four polo clubs in the United Kingdom that stage elite high-goal tournaments, such as the Royal Charity Polo Cup.

    The day included several games featuring His Royal Highness, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, who was team captain for the U.S. Polo Assn. Team. The other teams competing in the event included Team Monterosso/Vikings and Team BP Polo. The Duke of Cambridge played extremely well, highlighting his athleticism and teamwork on the field as he led the U.S. Polo Assn. Team to a strong showing on the day.

    “It is an honor for The Duke of Cambridge to captain the U.S. Polo Assn. Team and for our brand to be the Official Apparel and Team Sponsor for the prestigious Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup once again,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand.

    U.S. Polo Assn. designed custom performance jerseys for all participating polo players, umpires, and flaggers. Attendees of the event received handcrafted silk U.S. Polo Assn. scarves, pocket squares, and special event caps. The annual event raised funds and global awareness for several important charities that are supported by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, including Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, The Forward Trust, The Anna Freud Centre, The Foundling Museum, The Passage, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH), London’s Air Ambulance, Mountain Rescue England & Wales, SHOUT, and Family Action.

    “Philanthropy is at the heart and soul of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand, and we are proud to sponsor events that benefit important charitable causes around the world and positively impact the lives of others through the sport of polo,” continued Prince. “Supporting high-profile and philanthropic events in the United Kingdom is yet another example of U.S. Polo Assn.’s authentic connection and love for the sport of polo.”

    Guards Polo Club is considered one of the largest and most important clubs in Europe in terms of memberships and number of grounds. Located within the Great Park at Windsor, the Club celebrates more than six decades of premier polo in the outstanding natural surroundings of Smith’s lawn. Founded in 1955 as the Household Brigade Polo Club, with His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as President, the name was changed to the Guards Polo Club in 1969. At Flemish Farms, further into the Great Park at Windsor, Guards Polo Club has 120 stables and two additional polo fields with a spectacular backdrop of Windsor Castle. 

    U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)

    U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, and thousands of department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in 190 countries worldwide. Ranked the fifth largest sports licensor in License Global magazine’s 2020 list of “Top 150 Global Licensors,” U.S. Polo Assn. is named alongside such iconic sports brands as the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com.

    USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and its exclusive worldwide licensor. USPAGL manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand and is the steward of the USPA’s intellectual properties, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, the world’s leading digital platform with polo and lifestyle content. In addition, USPAGL partners with ESPN and beIN Sports globally to share the sport of polo broadcasts on television and on-demand to millions of viewers around the world. For more polo content, visit globalpolo.com.

    About Brand Machine Group-United Kingdom

    The Brand Machine Group (BMG) is an international fashion brand owner and licensing specialist, housing a diverse and industry-leading portfolio of fashion, sports and outdoor brands, including U.S. Polo Assn., across adults and childrenswear clothing and accessories. With more than 35 years of experience, Brand Machine Group specializes in global licensing, and partners with recognized market leaders to manage a seamless and collaborative process of designing, manufacturing, and delivering quality product whilst championing the DNA of its brands. Visit Brand Machine Group.

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    For Further Information, Contact: 

    Shannon Stilson – Vice President of Sports Marketing and Media, USPA Global Licensing and Global Polo Entertainment 
    Phone +001.561.227.6994 – Email: sstilson@uspagl.com 

    Stacey Kovalsky – Senior Director, Global Communications, USPA Global Licensing
    Phone +001.561.790.8036 – Email: skovalsky@uspagl.com

    Gina Digregorio – Head of Marketing, Brand Machine Group
    Phone: +44 (0) 1992 538 003| Email: gina.digregorio@brandmachinegroup.com

    Source: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

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