Image ©: Aurora Marie Jarett-Goldstein
The grayish stone tablet placed on the corner of a Polo ground along the fabled silk route in Gilgit, Pakistan has long epitomized the fascinating game of Polo with a simple inscription: “Let others play at other things. The King of Games is still the Game of Kings.” Patronized by legendary warriors and embraced by kings and nobles for centuries, the fate of Polo has been tied to the cyclic rise and fall of empires. Though the true origins of the game remain a mystery, it is believed to have emerged almost 2500 years ago from modest beginnings in the harsh encampments of nomadic warriors of Central Asia. The sport ever since has stood steadfast through changing time to remain one of the oldest & fastest team sports in the world today. It is also one of the rare sports where both men and women can play on the same team.
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Image ©: Aurora Marie Jarett-Goldstein
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Over the decades the royal courtyards and grandeur has given way to more humble and ordinary fields for modern polo. While the sport has been mainly dominated by men, the last few years has seen a rise in women taking a keener interest in the sport and making their presence felt. The new era of women’s polo is nowhere more clearly mirrored than in the Polo Girls Society founded in 2009 by a talented group of American women committed to promoting the Game of Kings. The society is taking the game beyond the polo fields to bring people together for events that showcase their passion for the sport as well as benefit society through community polo projects.
The life line of Polo Girls Society is its founder TV Producer and Philanthropist Libby Scripps, whose passion for the game has made her a much-admired international polo player and an inspiration for women in polo. Beautiful and self-assured, there is air of enthusiasm as she discusses Polo Girls Society. Reminiscing the time as a young girl, Libby vividly remembers watching with fascination a Maharaja from India playing polo in Palm Beach, Florida. Spellbound by the sheer energy of clashing mallets, the cantor of hooves and exuding aura of grandeur and royalty, she felt it was a game only for kings. That was until Libby was invited to play in a kid’s tournament at the young age of seven. From then on, Polo was not only her game but an integral part of her life.
However, the hardest part of dreaming is to give it wings and turn it into a reality. Libby and the rest of the women at Polo Girls Society embody the idea that dreams are not mere ambitions alone; but also define a person's aspirations to make a difference. The society’s involvement with a number of charities and organizations to promote the sport and giving back to the community has been commendable. Libby recalls an interesting episode when a 12 year old girl won a lesson with the Polo Girls. She came to the barn with little riding experience, got on the pony and started hitting the ball. Just to see the natural talent this little girl had was amazing for the team. But the feeling to know that she would have never had an opportunity to learn polo had it not been for something like the Polo Girls Society only strengthened their commitment of having such initiatives in place to promote polo.
Though setting up Polo Girls Society was challenging and far from glamorous for Libby personally, she has found it all worthwhile. It has enabled her to inspire and encourage new players and bring in more spectators to the sport. There have also been obstacles and the biggest Libby amusing points out was Ralph Lauren. After all he trademarked the word polo back in the 70’s and everyone thought polo is simply a brand of clothing, not a sport. But it is not the only one, as Libby points out that there remains a big misconception that Polo is only for elites and you need to know how to ride for years. All of which is not true and adds with her infectious wit that white jeans do not make you look fat and when playing polo you do burn the most calories than any other exercise. Although, the game itself has not seen the masses that she was counting on, but at least people now realize polo is a sport and not just a brand. Therefore, the joy for her lies in the recognition the Polo Girls Society has brought to the sport in competitive zones like the US.
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Image ©: Aurora Boyington
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Polo is charming game that moves at a swift pace delicately blending artistry and remarkable horsemanship, testing the bond and endurance of both horse and rider to the ultimate. The rules are fairly simple and it is an exciting sport to watch. Libby advice to young inspiring women polo players is to make safety paramount for themselves, their teammates, and opponents. While excellent sportsmanship and horsemanship is essential to excel, Libby cautions to steer clear from the air of snobbery, instead appreciate and enjoy the game without trying to continuously dominate the ball and never to cross the line. She then adds with a smile that it does not hurt to look great in Mallet Hill threads designed by the Polo Girls. It is all about passion and respect for the game that is steeped in rich history.
Presently, Polo Girls Society has a growing membership of 55 members and more than 10, 000 fans. It is not a total women’s affair though, as men too are welcomed and encouraged to join to show their support for women polo players. Libby hopes that more women will be encouraged to take up the sport by joining the Polo Girls Society and in turn they would be able to generate more sponsors to host more women's tournaments worldwide.
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Image ©: Aurora Marie Jarett-Goldstein
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Margaret Mead once famously wrote "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Libby Scripps and her team of Polo Girls are not looking to make grand gestures of heroism, simply choosing to make a difference through their passion for Polo. But along the way they have begun to inspire a whole new generation of women polo players making sure to be treated as equals. Enthralling with as much skill, speed and power as men, women are playing hard and are in it to win. Thus, the legacy of polo lies not in the ancient manuscripts and legends alone but in the devotion of those touched by its mesmerizing aura just like the US based Polo Girls Society.
