PUBLISHER ’ S NOTE
LET THE GAMES BEGIN !
BMW INTERNATIONAL
POLO
PUBLISHER Paul Ingpen paul @ electricink . co . za 021 438 5972 / 082 990 8408
MANAGING EDITOR Kirsten Curtis
ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Elinore de Lisle
COPY EDITOR Mandy Freeman
OPERATIONS MANAGER Andie Morris andie @ electricink . co . za 021 438 5972 / 082 468 3081
COVER IMAGE David Potter
WHETHER YOU ’ RE AN AFICIONADO OF THE GAME OR SIMPLY ENTICED by the glamour of this annual sporting and social spectacle , you ’ ll appreciate why the game attracts fast-living thrill-seekers . It ’ s a dizzying experience to witness the sport of kings while rubbing shoulders with the elegant and in�uential . Our intimate relationship with horses over history is well documented . From the 12th-century medieval knights to the Roman cavalry , king ’ s carriages , gladiator races , peasant farm-ploughing Clydesdales , the tragedy of war horses , the epic tales of the Wild West , Russian circus-performing Lipizzaners and the endless bets spent on horse racing . The great art museums reveal a beautiful , at times sad , but always noble tale . There is something uniquely compelling about horses . Watching polo is a sensory intoxication of high heels , fast cars , sumptuous food , bubbles , helicopters and the palpable energy of sinewed steeds brisked for battle . The rhythmic base of music wafts between endorphined conversations and mixes seamlessly into the reverberation of horses ’ hooves tearing up the manicured field under hardened warriors doing battle for their country . It ’ s a spectacle to behold for young and old . As a thank you to their loyal customers , BMW have invested in bringing together the world ’ s greatest players to clash like gladiators in the Colosseum , while enjoying an e�ually sumptuous feast for those attending the splendid affair . Whether or not you were fortunate enough to spectate the series , we hope the pages of this magazine satisfy your appetite for the sport or simply your interest in all things equine . You ’ ll meet divas living dangerously on pages 28 and 46 . Neku is a story every young African should read – she ’ s a symbol of individuality , fearlessness and altruism who ’ s making a real difference . We travelled the globe seeking sustainably-styled luxury living and came across six forward-thinking destinations you ’ ll want to add to your bucket list – see page 32 . Those who have followed the game will enjoy catching up with Sugar Erskine living the dream in the USA ( page 52 ). If , like most others , your knowledge of the game is limited �ip to page 22 , meet the players on pages 7� and 7� , and find the programme of events on page 7� so you ’ re not caught out in conversation over your polo picnic blanket . �inally , be sure to catch the effervescent and ever-entertaining Dan Nicholl , who , as always , has to have the last word on page 82 . Salut !
CONTRIBUTORS Shirene Briell , Shayne Doyle , Dan Nicholl , David Potter , Laretta Houston Photography , South African Polo Association , Toyin Aiyegbo Photography , Pablo Ramirez , Kate Turkington , Roger Westbrook
To advertise in these publications please call Andie on 082 468 3081 or email andie @ electricink . co . za .
POLO magazine is published on behalf of BMW South Africa by Electric Ink Media . Copyright : Electric Ink Media . No portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from Electric Ink Media or the authors . The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material . The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Electric Ink Media , the editors or BMW South Africa . Editorial & advertising enquiries : admin @ electricink . co . za 7 Pitlochry Road , Bakoven , Camps Bay 8005 Printed by Paarl Media Paarl . Distribution by On the Dot
PHOTOGRAPH SHANE DOYLE
10 BMW INTERNATIONAL POLO