POTOMAC POLO NEWS

The weather has been rough these past twoo weeks but conditions are improving.  As I look out the window there is a light rain falling and this bodes welll for polo this weekend.  By Saturday we expect the last remnants orf snow and ice to have disappeared from the arenas.  We're very much looking forward to getting back to the polo playing field and ask that all club members call Mary well-before Saturday to indicate you interest in chukkers this weekend. 

Potomac Polo News  

The Potomac Polo Club had another fine weekend of play in the arena. We continue to be blessed with ideal field conditions and weather that enable us to play every Saturday and Sunday at 12 noon.  As always, be sure to call Mary to schedule your chukkers.  We've established Potomac RED and Potomac BLACK teams for the duration of the winter.  Since the players on each team may change, please be sure to bring a red AND black jacket each weekend. 

I'd also like to thank Peggy Hart for providing lots of great images for the Club's website and newletters.  Peggy joins Pat Michaels and Lanah Hamilton as our team of official Potomac Polo Club photographers.

I've included a refresher on the arena rules for penalties.  Take a look so you know where to line up when the foul is called.

b. the point of infraction, both teams to position themselves anywhere in the arena except that no member of the fouling team shall be within five (5) yards of the ball when the umpire says "PLAY", and the ball is hit or hit at. Should the point of infraction be less than five (5) yards from the wall, the ball shall be hit or hit at from the nearest spot on the floor which is five yards (5) from the wall. Play shall continue in the event that no goal is scored on the free hit.

POTOMAC POLO NEWS

We had lots of splendid arena polo action last weekend with the unseasonably warm weather and we intend to keep going until global warming is solved.  The Potomac Polo Club continues the winter polo schedule of arena play every Saturday and Sunday at 12 noon.  Club members, please call ahead on the hotline and reserve your chukkers and be sure to check with Mary for weather cancellations on the day of play.  USPA payments and registrations for members are due at this time so please contact Mary to discuss your rating for the 2008 season. 

If you have not already checked, we have begun updating the Club's website with new photos from 2007. Some samples are included here.  More are on the way, and we'll soon have framed photos mounted in the Club Members Lounge. 

Polo continues through the holiday season at Red Eagle Ranch.  We're playing on Saturday morning and you'll need to call Mary TODAY if you'd like to join us.  We had a spirited scrimmage last night under the lights in the Red Eagle Arena.  I'm pleased to announce that after 5 months of recovery I'm back in the saddle and playing polo.  My arm is still healing, so don't even think of hooking me, but otherwise I'm doing well and looking forward to strengthing my muscles throughout the winter. 

There's a nice photo and short article about my beautiful and talented wife Mary and her team in the International Women's Snow Polo Championship in Argentina.  Check it out at the link below.

http://www.sidelinesnews.com/2001/p%20Asides.html

The snow is now 100% melted and as long as it doesn't rain we'll have Potomac Polo Club practice back on the playing field (arena) this weekend. 

If you are interested in Potomac Polo School classes, please call Mary right away because we may schedule a one day clinic this weekend and dates need to be finalized. 

For those who have been asking, the game photos from the end-of-the-grass-season tournament are loaded on the website.  Click the link below to view.  Additional photos of the award ceremony will be uploaded soon.  Take a look and use the id numbers of the photos to place your order.

http://www.potomacpolo.com/potomac%20polo%20club/gallery.htm

The Potomac Polo Club enjoyed some very fun polo in the Red Eagle
arean on Saturday followed by some wide open action in the Potomac
Polo arena on Sunday. The weather is looking good (periodic rains)for
excellent arena conditions this week.

Please call ahead to confirm Polo Club and Potomac Polo School
schedules for this week.

We just returned from a superb trip to the Spring and Fall polo
capital of polo of the USA, Aiken South Carolina.  After three weeks
of competition in the 6-goal tournament, Mary's team emerged
undefeated though all regular games and the finals.  It was an
outstanding performance that ended with a decisive finals victory of
7-4 with three goals scored by Mary.  Mary built the team around her
and top pro Gabriel Crespo; then added the highly successful sponsor
of the Golden Zebras Polo Team, Jay Fetner and his pro, J.B.
Olinger.  The combined Potomac Polo/Golden Zebras team was aptly
named the Potomac Zebras and it meshed well.  It was a pleasure to
watch the fast games.  We'll have photos in upcoming newsletters.

Brother Joe Muldoon III is also busy playing polo on the road.  He's
in Palm Beach, FL this fall at the Grand Champions Polo Club.  Joe
is competing throughout the months of October and November at the 14-
goal level with some of the top players in the USA. We wish him the
best and look forward to hearing all his stories when he returnes
for the Thanksgiving holiday.

I'm still on the bench recovering from my surgery but look forward
to playing again in 2008 and if I get clearance from my doctor,
acting as umpire for part of Potomac's fall/winter arena season.

Potomac Polo School resumes this week on Thursday.  Please call the
school for times.  The Potomac Polo Club starts its arena season
this coming weekend.  Stay tuned for more announcements.

Welcome back Mary!  My beautiful and talented wife just returned
from an extraordinary trip to Argentina.  Mary led the North
American team to the finals after advancing past the African and
South American teams.  A cheap hit from behind resulted in a
fractured fibula in her leg, but Mary tough as always played on.
Her team finished second in the tournament.  Be sure to chat with
her about her experience, it's quite memorable.    No less than
three days after confirmatory x-rays and the orthopaedic surgeon's
confirmation of the fractured fibula, Mary was off to play in a very
big match in Pittsburg, PA.  As many of you know, 24 years ago
Mary's dad help to start the Family House Charity Polo tournament.
This polo event has cumulatively raised moe money that any other
polo event in the USA.  Very impressive indeed.  Every year for the
past 24 years the Muldoon's have fielded a team for the event, which
has fortunately had only one rain-out.  Well, this year almost
didn't happen because the rains came and kept coming until moments
before game time.  Mercifully, the team captains agreed to play four
rather than six chukkers due to the treacherous conditions.  Mary
wrapped her broken leg with a red bandage to remind other players
not to hit hard on that spot (of course, not everyone respected the
request), but she player an outstanding game and was delighted to
receive the award for Best Playing Pony aboard her favorite horse
Snowflake, who has competed in the US Open and numerous other high
goal events in the US.  Mary scored two from the field of Potomac's
five goals, with brother Joe putting in another two and Jay Fetner
adding one.  Most importantly, she scored the last goal of the
match, which tied the game.  Due to the conditions the captains
elected to let the score remain a draw.  It was a great game with
superb playing.  Next year is the 25th anniversary and we strongly
recommend that everyone mark their calendars for the second Saturday
in Spetember for a great party and great polo.   We'll see you there!

Well, lots of people, most of all me, are pretty bummed out that the
annual Wedding Cup is not being held this year.  As most know, every
year on Labor Day weekend Mary, the other Muldoons and I get together
for a wild family polo match to celebrate our marriage on the same
weekend in 2004.  The match is followed by a BBQ and party with music
and dancing.  Due to my unfortunate injury in July, I'm not in any
shape to be partying too hard, yet alone getting on a horse.  So we've
decided to skip it this year.  But we still have daily Potomac Polo
Club matches the entire three day weekend.  The players are arriving
for today's match as I type this and we'll have another match on
Monday. It's continuing to be a spectacular grass field season for our
new club members and the start of the fall arena season is still a
month away.

Potomac Polo school classes resume this week.  Call ahead to inquire
about the schedule and to reserve you place in the next class.

The Potomac Polol Club will hold stick and ball practice for club
members this Saturday at 3PM.  Please arrive at 2PM to prepare your
horses.  Thanks and we'll see you on the field.  Scrimmages in the
club will follow on Sunday and Monday; with times to be announced.

As most of you know, Mary is in Bariloche Argentina competing in the
women's Wold Cup of Snow Polo.  On Saturday she plays with her North
American team against the Europe team.  We are wishing for a win and a
strong performance from her team to enable her to advance to the finals
against the winner of the match between South America and Africa.  It
should be very exciting indeed, with all matches held on a packed snow
polo field.

Polo school and polo club activities will resume on Labor Day weekend.
Leasing students and horse owners at Red Eagle Ranch can continue to
come out and use the Red Eagle Arena.  Please call ahead (703)626-8643
and let me know if you plan to come out.  Remember, Monday's are always
a day of rest at the Red Eagle Ranch.

Hey everyone... just wanted to let everyone know about an event at
Morvern Park Saturday evening 6pm - 8:30 pm. It's a Pas de Deux
dressage competition in my mother's honor...
"The $5000 Caroline Muldoon Pas de Deux Cup" My family will all be
going and if anyone would like to join us let me know. (At the club
tomorrow or give me a call.) Best regards, Mary

Hey everyone,last nights' practice went well and the visiting comedy
team enjoyed watching as well as getting a polo lesson themselves!
Their producers and camera men told me they got some good footage and
had a fun time as well.Let me know if you would like some tickets to
their show in D.C. Friday or Saturday night.

Tomorrow's club practice will be at 10 AM as usual. Please do not stop
at Starbuck's on the way out...we have a nice surprise for everyone.
Jeff Brooks and his "Java Cruiser" will be coming by to serve up his
espresso, lattes, and smoothies at the barn. Yum! Then we will mount
up for some fun polo at the club. Best regards, Mary

We had plenty of polo this week, with club and school action that kept
everyone happy.  We'd like to congratulate the new club members who
also became new horse owners this week.  Congratulations Darrell,
Melinda and Omid. There will be lots more polo this season so keep
coming.  We're having an exceptional season with our revitalized club
with our enthusiastic new players.  I wish I was there!  Thanks to all
who signed my get well card and provided nice thoughts for my
recovery.  My surgery on Friday well well and I look forward to
playing polo again with the club next year. For everyone who placed a
mallet, jersey, shirt and such order with me I'm sorry for the delay
but understandably my injury set me back. I'll put the order in this
week.  I still need to update the club member page so please email me
your favorite headshot since I'm not able to shoot your pictures with
my post surgery cast.

We've had a very exciting week of polo so far and it's only
Wednesday! Mary returned from her out of town travel and led a
superb Potomac Polo School class on Red Eagle Field No 1 on Sunday
followed by an exciting coaching league match on Potomac Polo Field
No 1. Last night the coaching league members had a blast with a
four on four scrimmage against the Red Eagle staff plus Darrell.
Tonight the coaching league members will stick and ball with the
staff. As Pete Bostwick (legendary 8-goal player) would say, you
should stick and ball three times more than you play if you really
want to improve your skills.

We'd like to welcome our most recent new members of the Potomac Polo
Club coaching league, Darrell and Melinda. The coaching league is a
fun and enthusiastic group that provides the correct environment to
enable the participants to measurably improve their skills.

I'll be shooting photos of everyone (school and club) in the coming
days (unless I already have a high res photo) so that we can update
the websites and have material for the next newsletter.

All students should remember to call the hotline to sign up for
Potomac Polo School lessons as well as coaching league practices
(members only please). We want everyone to play, but classes are
almost always full and we cannot accomodate people who show up
without appointments. Thanks.

BARN TIP:

After you ride: return your saddle to the tack room, return your
blankets to the rack and your horse's polo boots to the appropriate
basket (remember, do not roll up the velcro closures around the
boots, place them loosely in the basket). Please take care to keep
the barn in the same order as you find it on your arrival, which is
always very nice!

Hi, Potomac Polo School's next class will be on Sunday July 15th. The
time will be announced pending student confirmations.  Please confirm
your attendance by calling the club hotline at 301-972-7303 and press
No.2 at the prompt.

Hi, Potomac Polo Club's coaching league (members only) practice will
be at 10AM on Sunday July 15th.  Please confirm your attendance by
calling the club hotline at 301-972-7303 and press No.1 at the
prompt.

Another great week of polo in Potomac.  We had an awesome 4th of
July polo game and BBQ.  Both the coaching league and the club
played on the main grass field under ideal conditions.  Practice on
Saturday for the coaching league turned out to be another excellent
experience for all involved and we're really seeing the improvements
in our league participants.  I also had a great time stick and
ballingh with some of our new members on Sunday afternoon.  The way
to get better is to buy or lease your own horse(s), join the
coaching league and get out an play every week.  And people are
seeing the benefits of following this approach. We'd like to
congratulate our leasing students, coaching league players and new
members of the Potomac Polo Club.  We have a steady flow of our
school students moving up to club level membership in the coaching
league.  Just recently we've signed up Omid, Ashley, Brandon,and
Margaret.  And we have more on the way. Our special offer that is
only available to Potomac Polo School students is an incredible
deal.  For only $1,000 you can be a member of the Potomac Polo Club
and play with professionals on a beautifully maintained full-sized
grass field.

PS.  I'll be finalizing the jersey order in the next week.  I
believe I have three people who are interested in this and I'd like
anyone else who wants one or more team jerseys to email me right
away. I also received some inquiries about Red Eagle Ranch logo
casual polos and shirts.  We do that too!  Let me know your
interests (hats, t-shirts, polos, or jackets) and we can put
together an order for you.  I'll get the pricing together and
confirm the amount for your payment right before we order.  You'll
want to have a couple of jerseys so you look your best on the
playing field.  Make sure that you have ordered you white jeans
before another day goes by (www.sheplers.com).

Players interested in purchasing offical Potomac Polo team jerseys
should check with Dante this week.  We'll put in a new player order
soon.  We have three styles available, each in a different color--red,
white and black. The styles are illustrated at various locations on the
website and they can be shown at the barn.  These a tournament jerseys
that are exactly the same as what the Potomac Polo teams wear in
tournaments in Aiken, SC; Maryland and Virginia.  Prices vary, but the
last time we ordered they were $130+ each (embroidery doesn't come cheap
but neither does polo).

We had a great practice today with the coaching league of the Potomac
Polo School and Club.  Those players interested in participating in
practice on the  4th of July (followed by a BBQ) need to call Mary to
check availablity of team positions. Almost all the new players are
geared up for polo, but a couple still need to pick up their white
jeans.  Click on this link and you'll be set to order.
http://www.sheplers.com/item.cfm?
DI=010357&TID=037429&Start=1&page=category&ITEMSTART=1&show=page  We
look forward to seeing you on the playing field this week.

Under sunny skies with low humidity the Potomac Polo School and Club had an exceptional weekend.  We had a very nice 5 goal practice at the Club on Saturday morning followed by coaching chukkers for newer players and a BBQ with players and friends.  Games are each Saturday at 11AM and we welcome our students to come watch.  Sunday morning's Potomac Polo School class was especially satisfying.  We had a talented group of new players on Red Eagle Field No. 1 for a great learning experience under Mary's tutelage and a spirited scrimmage, followed by a little lounging and chatting back at the barn. 

Please remember to call the School voice mail box to schedule your next lesson.  Be sure that you are confirmed prior to coming out.  Classes fill up fast and we need everyone to stick with the procedures to ensure that their spot in the roster is reserved.   

This week's barn tip:

Make certain that you remove and properly dispose of all tail tape.  Please do not drop your tape in the stall shavings or in the fields.

We had another excellent group of students in the clinic this past
weekend.  In fact, several people enjoyed the clinic from the prior
week so much that they returned with friends and took it again.  We
are delighted with the new students who most certainly show trendous
promise in the sport.

On Sunday we had several students join us with the Potomac Polo Club
for a couple of faster paced coaching chukkers.  It was a great
opportunity for the new players to get more of a feel for open field
polo while receiving coaching from experienced players.

Classes continue this week, please call Mary at 301-972-7303 to
schedule your next lesson.

We're pleased to direct you to this link that covers an interview with
Mary's talented brother Charlie.  There is one error in the article,
Charlie is now rated 5 goals outdoor and 6 in the arena.  The article
implied that he was 4 outdoor, which was incorrect.

http://www.sidelinesnews.com/1906/p%205Q%20Muldoon.html

We had a superb clinic this weekend at the Potomac Polo School.  Our
clinic attendees were very enthusiastic, athletic and talented and
they really enjoyed the experience.  It was a pleasure to watch them
develop in he clinic and we are delighted that several have already
signed up for the school and are very interested in eventually
purchasing horses to enter the coaching league.

We are building another clinic class and hope to have this session
on Saturday the 16th of June.  Please let Mary immediately know if
you are able to attend so that we can put together another memorable
experience.

The Potomac Polo School continues to offer regular classes during
the week.  Please call Mary to schedule your next group class or
private lesson.

POLO BARN TIPS:

When replacing your horse's velcro sports medicine boots to their
respective wire basket in front of the stall, please be sure to drop
them in loosely.  Do not roll them up tightly since this does not
allow the boots to dry and do not rewind the velcro closures because
this cuts the life of the velcro closures in half.

Also, do not drop tail tape in the stall shavings or on the
grounds.  Place all used tail tape in the trash receptacles.
Discarded tail tape is not only unsightly but it's unfriendly to the
environment,horses and other wildlife and can damage mowing
equipment if it becomes clogged in the spindles.

The Potomac Polo School is offering class on Saturday at 10AM.  Please
call today to sign up.  There also is a one-day clinic this Sunday.
We have one space left so don't hestitate to call and join in if you
have an interest in improving you polo.

We had a very successful trip to our farm in Aiken, SC.  Five days a
week of polo was a lot of fun and we purchased three horses that are
likely to be of great interest to those who are looking to develop
their polo strings.  Come out for lessons on Saturday and check out
the new horses.

Please call us today to sign up for the one day polo clinic on June
10th.  This is a great opportunity to get tuned up for the season.
The Potomac Polo Club season will commence this weekend.  Stay tuned
for the details of time and dates.

Dante,
     You have another Potomac Polo alum who played in the Intercollegiate
Nationals in Lexington, KY in April.  Stan Feldman, who enjoyed Red Eagle
clinics in high school, has been the captain of Cornell Mens Team for the past
two years; he is graduating this May.  Thought you'd be interested in your old
student's continued polo playing.  Thanks for the launch!  Nancy Feldman
  -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Dante" <djtedald@...>
>
> Potomac Polo
>
>
> Polo This Week
> May 7, 2007
>
> Top Story of the Week  [black_line_long]
>
>
> Advance ticket sales only.
> Be sure to purchase
> your tickets today!
>
>   [ ]
>
> POLO CUP OF THE AMERICAS
> There will be no classes at the Potomac Polo School this Saturday.
> We'll be attending the America's Cup of Polo match between polo
> teams from England and the United States.  On Saturday, May 12, 2007,
> beginning at 11 a.m. at Morven Park, just outside Leesburg in the heart
> of Virginia's horse and wine country we'll cheer Charlie Muldoon
> who will lead the American team. America's Cup of Polo, one of many
> celebrations commemorating America's 400th Anniversary of the
> settlement of Jamestown,
> <http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/AnnJamestown.htm>  brings two
> nations together to raise funds for the Journey for the Cure Foundation,
> a non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures for Leukemia,
> Lymphoma, and Multiple Sclerosis. Beyond polo, the day will include live
> performances the rock group Journey and an English band, The Webb
> Sisters. In the evening, guests will enjoy "Dancing Under the
> Stars" more music by Journey and a fireworks display.
>
> More about Americas Cup of Polo <http://www.americascupofpolo.com/>
> …
>
>
>   [black_line_long]
>
> POTOMAC POLO SCHOOL CLINICS
> Due to extraordinary demand, we will extend our clinic offerings for a
> few select dates throughout the summer.  These One day clinics will be
> offered on weekend days when the Red Eagle Ranch Polo Team is not
> competing.  The dates will be identified as the polo season schedule
> develops and attendees notify us of their preferences.  Please call Mary
> today and let her know when you would like to attend.  Of course, as
> always we will offer a more frequent clinic schedule in the fall.
>
> More about our clinics…
> <http://www.redeagleranch.com/clinic/index.html>
>
>   [ ]
>
>
> Potomac Polo Clinic
>
>
>   [black_line_long]
>
>
> Ryan Carey (on left)
>
>   [ ]
>
> RYAN CAREY PARTICIPATES IN NATIONALS
> When she came to the Potomac Polo School she had experience with
> jumpers, but no polo background.  After lessons, attendance at our
> clinic and participation in our competitive arena league Ryan became a
> polo player. Now she's on the Texas Christian University Polo Team
> and competed at the Nationals in 2007.  Ryan made it to the semifinals
> and we congratulate her on her tremendous achievements.
>
>
>
> More about the Intercollegiate Nationals…
> <http://www.us-polo.org/news/2007/nic.htm>
>
>   [black_line_long]
>
> USPA MEMBERSHIP
> As noted in other correspondence, it's mandatory that all players
> within the Potomac Polo School have active membership with the USPA.  If
> you are not currently a member, please join immediately. We can help you
> complete the application form on your next visit to the Potomac Polo
> School.
>
> Link for USPA student membership…
> <http://www.us-polo.org/join/index.htm>
>
>   [ ]
>
>
> USPA
>
>   [black_line_long]
>
>
> Red Eagle Ranch
>
>   [ ]
>
> RED EAGLE RANCH, A NATIONAL TREASURE
> The Red Eagle Ranch, Home of Potomac Polo School, is a special place, as
> anyone who visits will attest.  But more than the atmosphere is unique.
> Many who visit are unaware that the property is on the National Register
> of Historic Places.  There are structures here constructed in 1823 and
> all continue to serve useful purposes.  Our stone club house that is
> used for classroom sessions during our clinics has been exceptionally
> preserved and continues to be a favorite place to relax on warm summer
> days. We are proud of our heritage and are happy to describe the history
> of the property to our students and friends.
>
>   [black_line_long]
> ARENA COACHING LEAGUE
> We are developing an Arena Coaching League in order to assist new
> players as they transition from the Potomac Polo School to the Potomac
> Polo Club.  This league will start in June once our new players have
> purchased their horse(s).  Mary has been seeking horses for quite a few
> new players from the school and is ready to help get people mounted and
> on the playing field next month.  The arena coaching league will include
> professional instruction by Joe Muldoon III (4 goals), Wayne Briere (3
> goals) as well as Mary (1 goal). Expect to have a really fun time as you
> improve your playing in a safe environment with top quality instruction.
> A monthly coaching league fee applies in addition to membership in the
> Potomac Polo Club.  To make this great offer even more attractive, we
> are offering a special Club membership rate of $1,000 for current
> students of the Potomac Polo School. This is a substantial discount from
> the regular membership rate for 2007 of $2,500.  Don't delay.  Give
> Mary a call today.  You'll need your own horses for this level of
> polo and the time to select and buy is now.  Polo School is nice, but
> playing polo is even better.  We hope to see you on the playing field
> next month.
>
>   [black_line_long]
> USPA OUTDOOR RULES REVIEW
> Each week we review some important aspects of the rules of polo.   Pay
> attention or be surprised when the whistle blows!
>
>
>
> Stopping on the ball.
>
>
>
> Students make this mistake quite frequently.  Don't do it.
> Here's why…
>
>
>
> Rule 25 a. A player who has safely entered the Right of Way of another
> player along the established path that the ball has already traveled and
> who is following the ball may slow down or stop in that Right of Way,
> provided that players approaching from behind have sufficient time to go
> around.  A player is considered to have entered the "established
> path that the ball has already traveled" as opposed to the
> "projected path that the ball has yet to travel" once the ball
> is ahead of the stirrup.  This is true even if the player enters the
> projected path first, and the ball subsequently passes the stirrup.
> However, the player may not slow down or stop in another player's
> Right of Way in order to allow the ball to pass his stirrup.
>
>
>
>   [black_line_long]
>
>
>
> Please visit the Potomac Polo Web site for more information:
>
> Potomac Polo <http://www.potomacpolo.com/>
>
> About This Email
> Polo This Week is a weekly electronic newsletter for students, alumni,
> players and friends to keep you informed about Potomac Polo School and
> Potomac Polo Club and their impact on the polo community. It is produced
> by Potomac Polo School's Office of Public Affairs in partnership
> with the Potomac Polo Club's Office of Development. Please share
> your comments and suggestions by emailing us at Polo News
> <mailto:dante@...?subject=Polo%20News>
>
> © Potomac Polo. All rights reserved.
>
> Potomac Polo
>
> PO Box 447
>
> Poolesville, MD 20837,
>
> 301.972.7303
>
>
>
>