It was just another day at the ‘Anini Polo Fields on Sunday for Bobbie and John Love, who were just one of the many individuals witnessing the 13th season of the Kaua‘i Polo Club. Although it definitely wasn’t the first
It was just another day at the ‘Anini Polo Fields on Sunday for Bobbie and John Love, who were just one of the many individuals witnessing the 13th season of the Kaua‘i Polo Club.
Although it definitely wasn’t the first time they saw an opener of the storied sport, instead it was my turn to enjoy my first-ever polo match.
And boy did it go by fast.
Not only the actual game, but the festivities come and go like the thundering moves by the horses on the field.
And players don’t only use one horse during the entire match.
Instead, the athletes might go through as many as four horses throughout the contest.
Peter Cameron and the other grooms were extremely busy during the event, getting the four-legged muscular animals ready for the next chukker.
Chukker you say?
Well to boil it down for you, a chukker is a period or quarter in a polo match.
I was confused too. Chukker actually sounds closer to being a field worker hacking at potatoes in Idaho.
I quickly learned a thing or two, thanks to the help of the Loves, who have done a lot for the sport on the island.
They’d like to see more people out at the contests on Sunday, which begin promptly at 3 p.m. (gates open at 1:30 p.m.).
Ron Bonaguidi, the president of the Kaua‘i Polo Club, made his rounds along the tailgaiting area.
It was nice to see the closeness of the group, but at the same time, the atmosphere is as welcoming as a backyard barbecue.
Once again, Inger Pa handled the announcing duties, which added a lot to the festivities.
It was especially helpful to myself and others, who weren’t used to the terms and words used in the sport.
During the halftime ceremony, Pa introduced Jack and Bette Layton, who are staunch supporters of the Kaua‘i Polo Club.
The dynamic duo have contributed countless hours to the club during its off and on spurts on the island.
As the final buzzer sounded, Global Mortgage took the contest, 6-3 over Savage Pearls.
But the actual festivities begin after the horses trotted off the immaculate field.
The tailgaters gathered around to meet everyone and you’d be surprised who you see at these types of events.
If you’d like to meet new and interesting individuals, while taking in an exciting sport, give polo a try.
Because after all, the group’s not just horsin’ around.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
