Since the San Diego Polo Club opened its doors in 1986, our fields have welcomed four generations of polo players from the Allen & Collins families and needless to say, they have been an integral part of this club. The family legacy of polo started with Willis Allen, who along with his son-in-law Harry Collins, played an instrumental role in the formation of the San Diego Polo Club. Over the years, Willis Allen, his son-in-law Harry, his grandson Chris and his great-grandson Chris Jr. have all played polo on our fields.
The fifth weekend of polo at the San Diego Polo Club not only brought plenty of sunshine, but also some great polo for the playing of the Willis Allen Memorial Cup. We celebrated Willis’ life and the Collins’ family legacy by welcoming REINS Therapeutic Riding Program as the beneficiary of the event. Harry Collins is currently the oldest participant in the REINS Therapeutic Riding Program and the charity is very important to the family.
The 1:00pm match featured Monteverde-Adeptus versus Star Meadow-San Judas. The match got off to a fast start with Martin Ravina scoring two goals in the first chukker and Kimo Huddleston scoring two for StarMeadow-San Judas. Ravina put a few more through the goal, resulting in a Monteverde-Adeptus halftime lead of 7-5. Ramon Richard had a high score of 4 goals for StarMeadow-San Judas. Despite both efforts, the match ended in a tie. Martin Ravina had the most goals on the afternoon, totaling 8 for Monteverde-Adeptus.
During intermission, fans bid on silent auction items including a week long trip to Africa, a signed cowboy hat by Taylor Swift and more, all to benefit REINS Therapeutic Riding Program. Debbie Shinner, executive director of REINS Therapeutic Riding Program, and JoHanna, one of REINS‘ youngest program participant, produced a wonderful demonstration for the crowd. Debbie explained how the therapeutic lessons encourage speech, help riders identify objects, and sequence multiple tasks, all the while on horseback. JoHanna captured the hearts of the crowd by blowing kisses and riding her lesson pony.
After fans dried their eyes, we picked it up a little for an intermission exhibition from the Flyball Ballistics Racers. The Racers showed off their speed and agility thru series of obstacle courses. Polo Player, Linda Drabova, and her dog Indie were the stars of the show!
Erin Thompson started the festivities with the singing of our National Anthem, followed by REINS Therapeutic Riding Program taking part in the ceremonial first ball throw.
The 3:00pm match between Hanalei-San Fernando and Twin Palms-Sycamore provided a back and forth seesaw afternoon of polo. Chris Maloney and Ashton Wolf did their jobs, scoring three goals each, to help lead Twin Palms-Sycamore to victory.
The Collins Family presented trophies to the winners and celebrated a wonderful day with family and the fans.
Spectators enjoyed post game entertainment from Tiffany Jane, a San Diego songstress singin’ the blues.
Big thanks to Willis Allen, The Collins Family, REINS Therapeutic Riding Program, Ballistic Racers Flyball Team, Tiffany Jane, Erin Thompson, Three Dog Bakery, and Caracol Silver for coming out to share their Sunday with us.
We look forward to seeing everyone out for the action next week at the Woodford Reserve Classic.
Wonderful!