Black Sunday: 21 Kings of Polo Die

I am stunned, saddened, horrified...as is everyone in and out of the polo community. Certainly our condolences pour out to the Lechuza Caracas team, grooms and the owner, Victor Vargas...regardless of the cause. And to the vets too... how terrible for them as well....damn.

At present the number of dead is at least 21, though a few in the polo community close to the event have told me the number may continue to climb.  Regardless...so tragic.

If you aren't familiar with what I am talking about, here is one of the latest CNN stories on it:

More than 20 polo horses dead as mystery deepens in Florida

Down horses shielded from view as vets and others scramble to save their lives.

And NO, for everyone still emailing me, this had nothing to do with our polo movie in early pre-production: Of Kings & Cowboys. We won't be filming till next Spring. This happened Sunday at a semi-final game of the US Open, in Wellington (Palm Beach), Florida, one of the most prestigious polo tournaments in the world....which, ok, yes, will be featured in the movie.  One note:  the film does address the tragic, albeit rare, death of men and horses in polo.

It is critical that the USPA and others get out ahead on this story, being sure it is clearly communicated that this tragedy is unprecedented, and should not reflect poorly on polo itself-- the oldest and most majestic of sports. It needs an aggressive, honest response.

I am told by an inside source that it was caused by the negligent handling of the B12 intravenous dosing of the ponies prior to the game. (Vitamin B12 increases red blood cell production, and is commonly and properly administered to athletic performance horses.) As to the negligence, etc., the anger is swirling around as swiftly as is the rumor mill...so...we'll see.  When I know more, I'll update this blog entry.

To the extent it was negligence (to my knowledge there is no evidence of maliciousness or intent), the USPA, HPA, and FIP should establish rules for consistent veterinary handling of horses at all sanctioned polo matches. Perhaps this also emphasises the need for a stronger 'league' body to control what is currently allowed to be managed on an owner-by-owner basis. I don't want to get into any debates with people on this. I am just thinking aloud.  And there are innumerable people out there who know the fine points and details of all this much better than I do.  But the point still stands: no matter how exceptionally rare such a thing is, we owe it to the game, and most importantly to all the horses, to not let such a thing ever happen again.

I only wish Of Kings & Cowboys was coming out soon, for when it does, it will tell the world how the international polo community reveres, honors and loves its horses.... in fact, as reflected in the title of the movie itself:

In the 'Sport of Kings'... it is the horse that is the king.

Run on sweet venerable princes, espiritus de los caballos rey... run on.

Comments

[Maria Marta Aguirre Paz (Argentina)]

First of all,sorry about my english, but even that i need to expresse my feelings I just can `t belive this.My pain is very, very deep.When bussinnes are more important than rihgts,love, and all wich make us humans, this things happened.I'm deeply affected,because horses have more honor ,devotion and loyalty than the humans who ride them.