Gillian Johnston (red helmet), the highest rated woman player/sponsor in USA high goal polo, chases the polo ball at the 2017 match which the home team won 10-5
photo by Kym Thomas
Bendabout Farm will continue its long-standing tradition of hosting polo matches in September. The matches will feature local, national and international players from the professional and amateur ranks. These polo matches are the highest rated in the southeast during this time.
This year players of local interest include Gillian Johnston, the highest rated woman player/sponsor in USA high goal polo. Johnston is a native of Bradley County. Owen Rinehart is a former 10 goaler and Hall of Fame inductee. Novillo Astrada, another former 10 goaler, captained the Coca-Cola Polo Team’s 2002 winning U.S. Open Team. Jeff Blake received the Most Valuable Player award for the 2008 Open finals.
Players from both teams have played worldwide with great success and will offer people in this area an opportunity to view polo competition at its very best. They will be playing their best ponies that are as competitive as their riders. It is the unique combination of athleticism and artistry in the horse and rider that makes polo a sport that continues to excite and impress observers of all ages.
Feature match play on Sunday the 16th benefits the 6th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe. Polo matches between Bendabout Farm and the 6th Cavalry at Fort Oglethorpe date back to the 1930s. While admission and parking are free to those attending the match, representatives of the museum will be on hand on the 16th to answer questions and accept voluntary contributions.
The Saturday matches are at 10 a.m. and the Sunday matches are at 2 p.m. The games are played “weather permitting”. Gates open to the public two hours before start time. There is plenty of free parking and seating or bring folding chairs.
Bendabout Farm is located just south of Cleveland on U.S. Highway 11. Look for the “Polo Today” signs. The address is 3553 South Lee Highway. For additional information, visit the Bendabout Farm website at www.bendabout.com or call 476-6602.