The Sport of Kings: Polo

April 8, 2012 4:51 PM

Polo is back, or at least that is Nacho Figueras's dream, as he leads the charge to bring the sport of kings back to the playing fields of America.

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by Frameofview April 21, 2012 7:58 PM EDT: To begin (from an experienced horseman and writer), EVERY non-western 'horse-sport' is a supposed 'Sport of Kings'...from racing to show-jumping and dressage. Some involve more skill, refinement and humanity than others to create 'beauty' and 'exhilaration' in the fantasy centaur-like performance. The sobering truth is that the lives of most polo ponies and their rider are of the utmost 'brusque', 'barbarous', and 'unrefined'. Absolutely torturous to many polo ponies...and the riders are almost debilitatingly mono-depressing until the end of the show or match or race. Riding a retired polo pony is usually a most unpleasant experience. Their mouths are hardened - extremely heavy in the hand, roached manes that don't return, and they are disposed of like candy wrappers when their injuries compile...they are sold for dog food, glue, and worse. It is so sickeningly disheartening what happens to many of them...just like old male fashion models who fail to shine again in any other line of work...; Reply to this comment


by wifeandmom1st April 14, 2012 4:56 PM EDT: WOW!!!! however you want to interpret it, whatever biases, prejudice, preconceived notions and attitudes you bring to the table, wherever your past experiences in life spill over into why you interpret this piece with great optimism vs. pessimism, says alot about who you are and what you need to examine within. but no matter where your reality is on that spectrum of viewpoints, THIS WAS AN INCREDIBLE STORY!!!!!!!; Reply to this comment


by karenleoni April 12, 2012 5:50 PM EDT: This was a lovely segment on this great sport. I've been so inspired by the game and its future potential as it resurges in the U.S. that I have recently completed many paintings as a tribute to all of the fun and excitement!!!! Thanks again for this article about a sport that builds relationships and teamwork for people from all backgrounds.; Reply to this comment


by xrtmd April 10, 2012 12:39 PM EDT: Perfectly awful story of the wealthy patronizing an antiquated sport for the purpose of exclusivity. Bringing inner city youth into this was the coup de gras of the piece.; Reply to this comment


by susie111 April 9, 2012 10:40 PM EDT: This segment covered alot of the best about polo. Thanks for a really good program segment. There is so much good in the total picture of what is going on in polo. There is a program in Florida starting youngsters as young as four to learn the game with a coach who fosters responsibility and character as well as learning the game. As Kareem said he never dreamed he would have this opportunity. Kudos to those who encourage young people to reach for their dreams.; Reply to this comment


by chaugan April 9, 2012 10:16 AM EDT: Always glad to see polo treated with the respect it so plainly deserves. The fervent dedication of people like Leslie Hiner and so many others has kept the passion for this sport--and the quintessential human-animal relationship it embodies--alive for millenia. Long live "The King of Games!"; Reply to this comment


by mizzyM April 9, 2012 2:55 AM EDT: thank you so very much for the thoroughly enlightening article! Not only was I elated to see someone encouraging the resurgence of Polo's interest in the United States (i attended several matches at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center several years ago) but also, and most heart warming was to see how Nacho's mentoring and Leslie's program helped develop Kareem's positive outlook for a unique passion for life!
KUDOS...CBS and 60 Minutes Staff!; Reply to this comment


by chukkercollection April 8, 2012 9:04 PM EDT: Polo is, indeed, the most exhilarating team sport. It attracts an array of players from diverse backgrounds, including men, women and children. A remarkably international sport, it offera players the ability to be on teams with, or compete against, people from around the globe.

FYI the quote about "Polo is like playing golf on horseback during an earthquake" is originally attributed to Sly Stallone. Having published an annual image based book for almost twenty years, Kareem was featured far more often than Nacho. Applauds to Lezlie Hiner for her 'Work to Ride' program.; Reply to this comment

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