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You are listening to a special edition of Outside The Boards podcast celebrating the Oak Brook Polo Club’s 100th Anniversary.

 Founded in 1922 by legendary businessman, Paul Butler, the Oak Brook Polo Club is an American Polo treasure and one of the oldest polo clubs in the United States. It was once the sport's epicenter for elite professional polo and served as home to the U.S. Open Polo Championship for twenty-four straight seasons and other prestigious international and national polo tournaments. 

In 2022, the Oak Brook Polo Club will be celebrating its 100th anniversary and will be returning to its original and masterpiece field, the Cecil Smith Field.

To honor this historic occasion, the Oak Brook Polo Club has invited Club friends and family to share stories and their most fondest memories of visiting and playing at Oak Brook. Join as we take listeners down memory lane with some of the sport’s household names while they share their experiences at Oak Brook and the impact the Club and its founder’s have played on their lives.  Welcome to this Outside The Boards special podcast edition, with your host Danny O’Leary.

My guest on today’s podcast is Scott Devon, Scott is a life-time polo player from Grand Rapids, Michigan were he began his polo career at Country Polo Club where he spent his time as a hot walker between chukkers. Scott took the game up while at Michigan State at the age of 21 and become a 4-goal player at his peak. He continues to play today in his 60s and currently plays high goal at Grand Champions Polo Club in Florida home of the 26-Goal World Polo League. Scott’s connection with Oak Brook began with his father, who had the goal of playing at Oak Brook. They would visit over Labor Day to watch high-goal polo and U.S. Open in the late 70s. Scott’s fondest memories of polo were when he would travel with Michael and Adam Butler representing Oak Brook Polo and the United States overseas.  Scott is a very close friend to the Oak Brook Polo Club, and the Butler Family, and It is an honor to speak with and hope to see him return with a team during this year historic season.

ABOUT FRIENDS OF OAK BROOK POLO
The Oak Brook Polo Club is thrilled to announce the creation of the Friends of Oak Brook Polo. The Club’s non-for-profit arm created with the mission of supporting quality recreational and competitive polo in Oak Brook through the rejuvenation and sustainability of polo activities. The goal of the organization will be to raise and invest funds for maintaining and improving Oak Brook Polo Club’s field(s) so that it remains a healthy, safe and competitive venue for the sport of polo and for the development of recreational polo programs to help advance the sport in the area.

 To learned more or donate, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com for more information or contact us directly at [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your support and helping to preserve the club’s history and importance in the global polo community.

ABOUT OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™
In 2012, Outside The Boards™ founders witnessed their first polo match and were stunned by the sport's beauty and brutality. Few sports, if any, have these combined qualities. The sport's grace, intensity and "war like" imagery creates a shock and awe viewing experience like non other. Combine this with sport's party-like atmosphere and lifestyle and you have a recipe for success.

Today, the sport has yet to experience its full potential. The industry is fragmented, riddled with politics and in-experience. Outside The Boards™ was designed to change all that and bring clarity to the sport by introducing best practices, insights, trends, and consulting services to industry stakeholders and interested brands so that they can reach their marketing potential and better n

Support the show

About Hive₂O Hard Honey™
Hive₂O Hard Honey is a pioneering beverage company that brings the rich, balanced taste of honey to the forefront of the industry. With a focus on innovation, quality, and community, Hive₂O offers a range of hard honey and alcohol-free beverages designed to surprise and delight with every sip.

As a thank you for tuning into this episode of Outside The Boards Podcast, Hive₂O is offering listeners an exclusive online discount and free shipping on all four packs. Use code OTBPOLO24 in all caps at checkout. Visit hardhoney.com to explore products.

About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication.  Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.

Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.

About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity.

Send us Fan Mail

You are listening to a special edition of Outside The Boards podcast celebrating the Oak Brook Polo Club’s 100th Anniversary.

 Founded in 1922 by legendary businessman, Paul Butler, the Oak Brook Polo Club is an American Polo treasure and one of the oldest polo clubs in the United States. It was once the sport's epicenter for elite professional polo and served as home to the U.S. Open Polo Championship for twenty-four straight seasons and other prestigious international and national polo tournaments. 

In 2022, the Oak Brook Polo Club will be celebrating its 100th anniversary and will be returning to its original and masterpiece field, the Cecil Smith Field.

To honor this historic occasion, the Oak Brook Polo Club has invited Club friends and family to share stories and their most fondest memories of visiting and playing at Oak Brook. Join as we take listeners down memory lane with some of the sport’s household names while they share their experiences at Oak Brook and the impact the Club and its founder’s have played on their lives.  Welcome to this Outside The Boards special podcast edition, with your host Danny O’Leary.

My guest on today’s podcast is Jake Sieber. Jake came to Oak Brook with his parents and sibilings in the early and mid 70s from Cincinnati Ohio. Jake’s father wanted to expose his kids to high-goal polo. Jake would go onto to be an accomplished polo player having won two intercollegiate polo championships along side his brothers Jone and Rob for Xavier University. Jake was a 4-goal player at the time at the age of 21. In 1974 Jake would be invited to play in the East vs. West series which was played in Milwaukee and Oak Brook with some of best U.S. players including Paul Rizzo, Billy Ylivsaker, Corky Linfoot, and the Uehlins brothers, etc. Jake would go on to have a great polo career with a lot of that time spent at Oak Brook during the summer. Jake is a very close friend to the Oak Brook Polo Club and I feel honored to have gotten to know him and walk down memory lane. We are thrilled to have him on this special podcast…enjoy!

ABOUT FRIENDS OF OAK BROOK POLO
The Oak Brook Polo Club is thrilled to announce the creation of the Friends of Oak Brook Polo. The Club’s non-for-profit arm created with the mission of supporting quality recreational and competitive polo in Oak Brook through the rejuvenation and sustainability of polo activities. The goal of the organization will be to raise and invest funds for maintaining and improving Oak Brook Polo Club’s field(s) so that it remains a healthy, safe and competitive venue for the sport of polo and for the development of recreational polo programs to help advance the sport in the area.

 To learned more or donate, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com for more information or contact us directly at [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your support and helping to preserve the club’s history and importance in the global polo community.

ABOUT OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™
In 2012, Outside The Boards™ founders witnessed their first polo match and were stunned by the sport's beauty and brutality. Few sports, if any, have these combined qualities. The sport's grace, intensity and "war like" imagery creates a shock and awe viewing experience like non other. Combine this with sport's party-like atmosphere and lifestyle and you have a recipe for success.

Today, the sport has yet to experience its full potential. The industry is fragmented, riddled with politics and in-experience. Outside The Boards™ was designed to change all that and bring clarity to the sport by introducing best practices, insights, trends, and consulting services to industry stakeholders and interested brands so that they can reach their marketing potential and better navigate the sport. 

Support the show

About Hive₂O Hard Honey™
Hive₂O Hard Honey is a pioneering beverage company that brings the rich, balanced taste of honey to the forefront of the industry. With a focus on innovation, quality, and community, Hive₂O offers a range of hard honey and alcohol-free beverages designed to surprise and delight with every sip.

As a thank you for tuning into this episode of Outside The Boards Podcast, Hive₂O is offering listeners an exclusive online discount and free shipping on all four packs. Use code OTBPOLO24 in all caps at checkout. Visit hardhoney.com to explore products.

About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication.  Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.

Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.

About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity.

Send us Fan Mail

OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
SEASON #2 | EPISODE #8: Dawn Jones
RECORDED: February 14th, 2022

On this Episode of Outside The Boards Podcast, I am really excited to introduce player, patron and co-founder of the Women In Polo Network, Mrs. Dawn Jones.

Dawn Jones is one of the most active women in American polo, both on and off the field. Some may know her as the wife of actor Tommy Lee Jones. However, she has grown into a well-known figure and power within America and women’s polo in her own right.

Dawn is a professional photographer by trade, and WIPN’s connector and fundraiser extraordinaire. With a 1 goal mixed and 6 goal women’s handicaps, her home base is the San Saba Polo Club, in San Saba, Texas. You will find Dawn supporting women’s polo and playing in tournaments around the globe.

Dawn has made it her mission to create opportunities for women to play polo through the Women in Polo Network, which she co-founded with Pamela Flanagan. A guest you might recognized from Season #1. Dawn mentors young players and advocates for women to compete at the highest level in polo.

Dawn is incredibly bright and one of most motivated and ambitious leaders in the sport. She has become a great friend and we share some the same interest and ideas surrounding this beautiful game. Dawn continues to do great things for the game and women’s polo as she continues to advocat and mentor many people. I am happy to commit my time to her efforts.

 
WELCOME TO OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
The OTB™ Podcast was created with the goal of introducing listeners to people, places and stories and provide a unique behind the scenes perspective of the sport of polo that breaks all the common stereotypes. While discussing key issues affecting the sport today and the constructive sharing of ideas, insights, solutions and best case studies for the purpose of advancing polo globally. The Podcast will have honest conversations with polo industry leaders, enthusiasts and awe inspiring people who make this sport great and fun to be around.

ABOUT THE GAY POLO LEAGUE
The Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ polo organization in the world that is dedicated to producing high-end LGBTQ polo events and experiences. Its mission is to inspire and empower those individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender via the promotion of and participation in the sport of polo.

The GPL promotes the sport of polo to provide equality, pride, inclusion and confidence for those individuals who face discrimination simply due to identifying themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, gay or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities. 

 GPL works to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of race, sex or sexual identity and works to promote goodwill and camaraderie in the community. Its ongoing goal is to raise money at GPL events to help LGBTQ organizations better serve their communities.  Our battle cry is “the slightest difference makes all the difference”.

 GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ community, ath

Support the show

About Hive₂O Hard Honey™
Hive₂O Hard Honey is a pioneering beverage company that brings the rich, balanced taste of honey to the forefront of the industry. With a focus on innovation, quality, and community, Hive₂O offers a range of hard honey and alcohol-free beverages designed to surprise and delight with every sip.

As a thank you for tuning into this episode of Outside The Boards Podcast, Hive₂O is offering listeners an exclusive online discount and free shipping on all four packs. Use code OTBPOLO24 in all caps at checkout. Visit hardhoney.com to explore products.

About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication.  Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.

Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.

About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity.

Send us Fan Mail

OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
SEASON #2 | EPISODE #7: Oliver "Olly" Hughes
RECORDED: February 1st, 2022

On this Episode of Outside The Boards, after 10 years at the helm, I’m thrilled to welcome Oliver “Olly” Hughes, the Deputy Chief of the Hurlingham Polo Association. The governoring body for the sport of polo in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Way back in the mid 1980s Olly was introduced to polo whilst in the Cotswold Pony Club. Although the opportunities to play were restricted to the few summer weeks of the Pony Club Polo season, Olly was well and truly bitten by the bug.

After the culmination of a successful Pony Club career, and a brief flirtation with higher education, he headed to South America to be immersed in polo. A career in polo developed from there and having achieved a three goal handicap he was lucky enough to work for the likes of Black Bears, Ellerston and Bulldogs Polo Teams and has also managed Ansty, Checkendon and most recently Beaufort Polo Clubs. 

Along the way he gained experience of working in the “real” world when he managed health clubs on behalf of two hotel chains. He joined the HPA office in 2012 and lives near Cirencester with his wife and two teenage children. 

Olly has done some incredible things for the sport in the UK in the last 10 years, most notably the creation of the Hurlingham Polo Associaiton’s own clothing line. Olly is a great friend and I feel honored to have gotten to know him more on this episode, and excited to watch him and the Hurlingham Polo Association do great things for the sport in the next decade.

WELCOME TO OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
The OTB™ Podcast was created with the goal of introducing listeners to people, places and stories and provide a unique behind the scenes perspective of the sport of polo that breaks all the common stereotypes. While discussing key issues affecting the sport today and the constructive sharing of ideas, insights, solutions and best case studies for the purpose of advancing polo globally. The Podcast will have honest conversations with polo industry leaders, enthusiasts and awe inspiring people who make this sport great and fun to be around.

ABOUT THE GAY POLO LEAGUE
The Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ polo organization in the world that is dedicated to producing high-end LGBTQ polo events and experiences. Its mission is to inspire and empower those individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender via the promotion of and participation in the sport of polo.

The GPL promotes the sport of polo to provide equality, pride, inclusion and confidence for those individuals who face discrimination simply due to identifying themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, gay or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities. 

 GPL works to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of race, sex or sexual identity and works to promote goodwill and camaraderie in the community. Its ongoing goal is to raise money at GPL events to help LGBTQ organizations better serve their communities.  Our battle cry is “the slightest difference makes all the difference”.

 GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ community, ath

Support the show

About Hive₂O Hard Honey™
Hive₂O Hard Honey is a pioneering beverage company that brings the rich, balanced taste of honey to the forefront of the industry. With a focus on innovation, quality, and community, Hive₂O offers a range of hard honey and alcohol-free beverages designed to surprise and delight with every sip.

As a thank you for tuning into this episode of Outside The Boards Podcast, Hive₂O is offering listeners an exclusive online discount and free shipping on all four packs. Use code OTBPOLO24 in all caps at checkout. Visit hardhoney.com to explore products.

About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication.  Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.

Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.

About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity.

Send us Fan Mail

OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
SEASON #2 | EPISODE #6: Hope Arellano
RECORDED: January 21st, 2022

On this Episode of Outside The Boards, and after multiple failed attempts due to technical difficulties, I’m thrilled to welcome women’s polo rising star, Hope Arellano. 

 Born in Wellington, Florida, Arellano spends spring and fall each year in Aiken, South Carolina, where her family owns a horse farm. Clearly, riding is an Arellano obsession. Her father is a professional polo player, her mother played while she was pregnant with Hope, and she and her two older brothers started riding at a very young age. 

 By age six, Hope was swinging a mallet. Despite her youth, Hope was already racking up a slew of accomplishments, including becoming the youngest winner ever at the 2017 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship at the Houston Polo Club, being named Most Valuable Player at The Women’s Tournament at The Villages Polo Club in The Villages, Florida and winning the 12-goal USPA Pete Bostwick Memorial tournament with her two brothers and father.

 At 18, she now plays in low, medium, and high-goal matches in both mixed and women’s tournaments. She also travels all around the country. This is what Hope Arellano's life looks like as one of today’s most active female players in American polo.

 In 2021 Hope would play in the Ylvisaker Cup, play in the World Polo League and the Butler Handicap at Port Mayaca Polo Club. But the biggest highlight would be joining the La I-re-nita team competing in the Women’s Argentine Open.

Hope is smart, beautiful and a force in women’s polo. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to get to know her and I’m excited to see her play and continue her streak as one of the world’s top female players. 

WELCOME TO OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
The OTB™ Podcast was created with the goal of introducing listeners to people, places and stories and provide a unique behind the scenes perspective of the sport of polo that breaks all the common stereotypes. While discussing key issues affecting the sport today and the constructive sharing of ideas, insights, solutions and best case studies for the purpose of advancing polo globally. The Podcast will have honest conversations with polo industry leaders, enthusiasts and awe inspiring people who make this sport great and fun to be around.

ABOUT THE GAY POLO LEAGUE
The Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ polo organization in the world that is dedicated to producing high-end LGBTQ polo events and experiences. Its mission is to inspire and empower those individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender via the promotion of and participation in the sport of polo.

The GPL promotes the sport of polo to provide equality, pride, inclusion and confidence for those individuals who face discrimination simply due to identifying themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, gay or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities. 

 GPL works to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of race, sex or sexual identity and works to promote goodwill and camaraderie in the community. Its ongoing goal is to raise money at GPL events to help LGBTQ organizations better serve their communities.  Our battle cry is “the slightest difference makes all the difference”.

 GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ community, ath

Support the show

About Hive₂O Hard Honey™
Hive₂O Hard Honey is a pioneering beverage company that brings the rich, balanced taste of honey to the forefront of the industry. With a focus on innovation, quality, and community, Hive₂O offers a range of hard honey and alcohol-free beverages designed to surprise and delight with every sip.

As a thank you for tuning into this episode of Outside The Boards Podcast, Hive₂O is offering listeners an exclusive online discount and free shipping on all four packs. Use code OTBPOLO24 in all caps at checkout. Visit hardhoney.com to explore products.

About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication.  Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.

Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.

About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity.

Send us Fan Mail

OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
SEASON #2 | EPISODE #5: Olivier Godallier
RECORDED: January 17th, 2022

On this Episode of Outside The Boards, we finally get to go abroad. We will be taking a little trip France and meet up with Olivier Godallier, Co-Founder & President of Game Polo, which is responsible for the creation of the successful Polo Rider Cup, now in its second year at the Chantilly Polo Club, north of Paris

 Like myself, Olivier has a lengthy background in popular sports before falling into the sport of polo. Olivier’s career in sports began with the well-known Advertising agency, Publicis, and later with one of sports management and marketing’s original and iconic agency, ProServe. He would later go on to find GAME Polo, a French sports marketing agency focused on event organization, marketing & sponsorship, licensing & merchandising, TV & digital content distribution, and hospitality within the sport of kings.

 In 2021, Game Polo would host the first edition of the Polo Rider Cup. The competition is for teams between 10 and 12 goals, with prestigious clubs from around the world. In 2021 the tournament hosted eight clubs from countries like England, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Spain, Austria and the United States. The plan is to welcome 16 clubs to partake in the tournament, which will switch locations every two years.

 The idea was born out of an observation that there was no international competition between polo clubs that existed. Game Polo wanted to put one together in the official context, with the support of the FIP and other Associations. 

 The 2022 Tournament will be held from June 8th to the 18th, with eleven teams already committed to the 10 day tournament from the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Argentina, France, Austria and Malaysia. 

 Olivier is a brilliant sports marketer and business professional who has worked alongside some of sports most respected industry leaders. He brings an array of experience and ideas from mainstream sports to polo and its working. I’m excited to watch this year’s Polo Rider Cup and encourage you to tune in or travel to France and watch.

WELCOME TO OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
The OTB™ Podcast was created with the goal of introducing listeners to people, places and stories and provide a unique behind the scenes perspective of the sport of polo that breaks all the common stereotypes. While discussing key issues affecting the sport today and the constructive sharing of ideas, insights, solutions and best case studies for the purpose of advancing polo globally. The Podcast will have honest conversations with polo industry leaders, enthusiasts and awe inspiring people who make this sport great and fun to be around.

ABOUT THE GAY POLO LEAGUE
The Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ polo organization in the world that is dedicated to producing high-end LGBTQ polo events and experiences. Its mission is to inspire and empower those individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender via the promotion of and participation in the sport of polo.

The GPL promotes the sport of polo to provide equality, pride, inclusion and confidence for those individuals who face discrimination simply due to identifying themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, gay or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities. 

 GPL works to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of race, sex or sexual identity and works to promote goodwill and camaraderie in the community. Its ongoing goal is to raise money at GPL events to help LGBTQ organizations better serve their communities.  Our battle cry is “the slightest difference makes all the difference”.

 GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ community, ath

Support the show

About Hive₂O Hard Honey™
Hive₂O Hard Honey is a pioneering beverage company that brings the rich, balanced taste of honey to the forefront of the industry. With a focus on innovation, quality, and community, Hive₂O offers a range of hard honey and alcohol-free beverages designed to surprise and delight with every sip.

As a thank you for tuning into this episode of Outside The Boards Podcast, Hive₂O is offering listeners an exclusive online discount and free shipping on all four packs. Use code OTBPOLO24 in all caps at checkout. Visit hardhoney.com to explore products.

About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication.  Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.

Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.

About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity.

Send us Fan Mail

OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
SEASON #2 | EPISODE #4: Todd Thurston
RECORDED: November 17th, 2022

My guest on this Episode of Outside The Boards, is the ambitious and Team USPA Alumnus, Mr. Todd Thurston.

Todd Thurston is a Real Estate Development Manager for Vertical Bridge REIT, LLC in Boca Raton. From Manakin Sabot, Virginia. Todd began riding at a young age before starting polo at the age of 15. 

He started playing in the summers in Middleburg, VA before being selected to the Team USPA program. He went on to captain the UVA men's polo team in college, and thereafter pursued a professional career in polo and horse training for 3 years before hanging up his boots to enter the corporate workforce in 2017. 

In 2021, Todd would be selected to chair the newly created USPA Young Players Committee. A committee designed to help the next generation of polo players be successful in reaching their goals on and off the field.

Todd is a bright young professional and talented polo player, with an ambitious attitude and motivation to mentor young players and providing them with a pathway towards success. I’m excited to see the Young Players Committee in action.

WELCOME TO OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
The OTB™ Podcast was created with the goal of introducing listeners to people, places and stories and provide a unique behind the scenes perspective of the sport of polo that breaks all the common stereotypes. While discussing key issues affecting the sport today and the constructive sharing of ideas, insights, solutions and best case studies for the purpose of advancing polo globally. The Podcast will have honest conversations with polo industry leaders, enthusiasts and awe inspiring people who make this sport great and fun to be around.

ABOUT THE GAY POLO LEAGUE
The Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ polo organization in the world that is dedicated to producing high-end LGBTQ polo events and experiences. Its mission is to inspire and empower those individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender via the promotion of and participation in the sport of polo.

The GPL promotes the sport of polo to provide equality, pride, inclusion and confidence for those individuals who face discrimination simply due to identifying themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, gay or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities. 

 GPL works to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of race, sex or sexual identity and works to promote goodwill and camaraderie in the community. Its ongoing goal is to raise money at GPL events to help LGBTQ organizations better serve their communities.  Our battle cry is “the slightest difference makes all the difference”.

 GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ community, athletics, and society at large one chukker at a time.  GPL was awarded the “Champion of Equity & Diversity in Sports” award by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in 2022.

For more information about the organization, its events and how to donate, please visit www.gaypolo.com

Support the show

About Hive₂O Hard Honey™
Hive₂O Hard Honey is a pioneering beverage company that brings the rich, balanced taste of honey to the forefront of the industry. With a focus on innovation, quality, and community, Hive₂O offers a range of hard honey and alcohol-free beverages designed to surprise and delight with every sip.

As a thank you for tuning into this episode of Outside The Boards Podcast, Hive₂O is offering listeners an exclusive online discount and free shipping on all four packs. Use code OTBPOLO24 in all caps at checkout. Visit hardhoney.com to explore products.

About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication.  Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.

Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.

About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity.

Send us Fan Mail

OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
SEASON #2 | EPISODE #3: Sheryl Sick
RECORDED: November 11th, 2022

I am super excited about my guest, Sheryl Sick. Sheryl is the embodiment of a polo player’s spirit. When she is not on horseback swinging a mallet or managing the Pacific Northwest as the USPA’s Circuit Governor, Sheryl is finding other ways for the wind to blow through her hair. Weather that is scaling a mountain, shredding the slopes on snowboard or fly fishing, Sheryl is a vibrant outdoors woman and weekend warrior traveling the global with friends and family seeking out adventure.

Sick’s Instagram account is a vivid expression of her wanderlust, showcasing trips to idyllic polo destinations and adventurous excursions around the world. By trade a technology sales executive rooted in Seattle, Washington, Sick intentionally aligned her career path to suit her polo lifestyle, enabling her the freedom to pursue her passion while growing professionally. 

Assuming the responsibility of Circuit Governor in 2017, Sick has immerse herself in the polo community, spending the summers traveling across the circuit’s seven states (and Canada) visiting and playing at as many clubs as possible.

Sheryl is an intercollegiate polo alumni from Washington State University and has competed nationwide and around the world including Canada, Argentina, Ireland, Jamaica and Mexico. Now with horses of her own, based out of the Seattle Polo and Equestrian Center in Enumclaw, Washington, she enjoys an active schedule of polo adventures year-round. 

She has a beautiful spirit and hunger for life. I’m excited to see her continue to do great things for the sport and women’s polo and see where her adventures take her next!

WELCOME TO OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
The OTB™ Podcast was created with the goal of introducing listeners to people, places and stories and provide a unique behind the scenes perspective of the sport of polo that breaks all the common stereotypes. While discussing key issues affecting the sport today and the constructive sharing of ideas, insights, solutions and best case studies for the purpose of advancing polo globally. The Podcast will have honest conversations with polo industry leaders, enthusiasts and awe inspiring people who make this sport great and fun to be around.

ABOUT THE GAY POLO LEAGUE
The Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ polo organization in the world that is dedicated to producing high-end LGBTQ polo events and experiences. Its mission is to inspire and empower those individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender via the promotion of and participation in the sport of polo.

The GPL promotes the sport of polo to provide equality, pride, inclusion and confidence for those individuals who face discrimination simply due to identifying themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, gay or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities. 

 GPL works to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of race, sex or sexual identity and works to promote goodwill and camaraderie in the community. Its ongoing goal is to raise money at GPL events to help LGBTQ organizations better serve their communities.  Our battle cry is “the slightest difference makes all the difference”.

 GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ community, athletics, and society at large one chukker at a time.  GPL was awarded the “Champion of Equity & Diversity in Sports” award by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in 2022.

For more information about the organization, its events and how to donate, please visit www.gaypolo.com

Support the show

About Hive₂O Hard Honey™
Hive₂O Hard Honey is a pioneering beverage company that brings the rich, balanced taste of honey to the forefront of the industry. With a focus on innovation, quality, and community, Hive₂O offers a range of hard honey and alcohol-free beverages designed to surprise and delight with every sip.

As a thank you for tuning into this episode of Outside The Boards Podcast, Hive₂O is offering listeners an exclusive online discount and free shipping on all four packs. Use code OTBPOLO24 in all caps at checkout. Visit hardhoney.com to explore products.

About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication.  Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.

Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.

About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity.

Send us Fan Mail

OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
SEASON #2 | EPISODE #2: Fred Mannix
RECORDED: November 9th, 2022

Mr. Fred Mannix is a very rare breed in the world of polo as both a professional player and Team Sponsor and Captain of the Alegria Polo Team.

Fred is a born, bred and polo fed player from an early age. At sixteen years old, Fred Mannix became a member of Team Canada, and was one of the youngest polo players to compete in the 2001 Federation of International Polo World Championship in Australia.

Now in is late thirties, and captain of the Algeria Polo Team – Canada’s only high-goal polo franchise – Fred is the first Canadian in nearly 80 years to have competed in the coveted Argentine Triple Crown – the sport’s most exclusive and respected tournaments, and only the second in 124 years to have competed in the prestigious Argentine Open.

Mannix is an accomplished 7-goal player in North America and 8-goal player internationally. Not only is Mannix the highest ranked Canadian on the World Polo Tour (rated 22nd overall), but Fred is also the Hurlingham Polo Association’s premier Global Brand Ambassador.

Fred Mannix is an accomplish player on the field and businessman off it. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to get to know him. He shows a deep love for the game and is motivated to see it commercially successful. I have become more knowledge about the polo industry from our conversation and he shares great insight about the game.  

WELCOME TO OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
The OTB™ Podcast was created with the goal of introducing listeners to people, places and stories and provide a unique behind the scenes perspective of the sport of polo that breaks all the common stereotypes. While discussing key issues affecting the sport today and the constructive sharing of ideas, insights, solutions and best case studies for the purpose of advancing polo globally. The Podcast will have honest conversations with polo industry leaders, enthusiasts and awe inspiring people who make this sport great and fun to be around.

ABOUT THE GAY POLO LEAGUE
The Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ polo organization in the world that is dedicated to producing high-end LGBTQ polo events and experiences. Its mission is to inspire and empower those individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender via the promotion of and participation in the sport of polo.

The GPL promotes the sport of polo to provide equality, pride, inclusion and confidence for those individuals who face discrimination simply due to identifying themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, gay or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities. 

 GPL works to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of race, sex or sexual identity and works to promote goodwill and camaraderie in the community. Its ongoing goal is to raise money at GPL events to help LGBTQ organizations better serve their communities.  Our battle cry is “the slightest difference makes all the difference”. GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ community, athletics, and society at large one chukker at a time. 

For more information about the organization, its events and how to donate, please visit www.gaypolo.com

ABOUT OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™
In 2012, Outside The Boards™ founders witnessed their first polo match and were stunned by the sport's beauty and brutality. Few sports, if any, have these combined qualities. The sport's grace, intensity and "war like" imagery creates a shock and awe viewing experience like non other. Combine this with sport's party-like atmosphere and lifestyle and you have a recipe for success.

Today, the sport has yet to experience its full potential. The industry is fragmented, riddled with politics and in-experienc

Support the show

About Hive₂O Hard Honey™
Hive₂O Hard Honey is a pioneering beverage company that brings the rich, balanced taste of honey to the forefront of the industry. With a focus on innovation, quality, and community, Hive₂O offers a range of hard honey and alcohol-free beverages designed to surprise and delight with every sip.

As a thank you for tuning into this episode of Outside The Boards Podcast, Hive₂O is offering listeners an exclusive online discount and free shipping on all four packs. Use code OTBPOLO24 in all caps at checkout. Visit hardhoney.com to explore products.

About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication.  Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.

Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.

About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity.

Send us Fan Mail

OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
SEASON #2 | EPISODE #1: Chip McKenney
RECORDED: November 3rd, 2022

On this first Episode of Outside The Boards Season #2, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of polo’s global leaders and barrier breakers, Mr. Chip McKenney. 

A former show jumper turned polo player at the age of 50, Chip is the Founder and President of the Gay Polo League (GPL) the only LGBTQ identified polo league in the world. GPL’s  mission is to produce high quality international events that are inclusive, engaging and unique in the world of polo and organized LGBTQ sports.

GPL's goal is to promote a positive and respectful place for LGBTQ athletes to compete. GPL athletes are great role models for the LGBTQ athletic communities and openly welcomes non-LGBTQ allies to participate in their events across the world.  GPL has produced polo events in the United States, England, Argentina and France, including  its flagship event, the International Gay Polo Tournament at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida.  

Chip currently serves on the USPA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and is also the owner of McKenney Media, a strategic branding and marketing agency focused on the equestrian industry and beyond. McKenney Media’s mission is to consistently elevate their partner's position in the marketplace through premium service and innovative solutions, to unlock new opportunities and deliver new levels of success.

I’m honored to call Chip my friend. He is a polo trailblazer, brilliant marketer and embodies one of the sport’s most attractive traits as a highly social, accepting and inclusive sport for everyone. I’m excited to see the GPL continue to do great things and expand to all corners of the world.

WELCOME TO OUTSIDE THE BOARDS™ PODCAST
The OTB™ Podcast was created with the goal of introducing listeners to people, places and stories and provide a unique behind the scenes perspective of the sport of polo that breaks all the common stereotypes. While discussing key issues affecting the sport today and the constructive sharing of ideas, insights, solutions and best case studies for the purpose of advancing polo globally. The Podcast will have honest conversations with polo industry leaders, enthusiasts and awe inspiring people who make this sport great and fun to be around.

ABOUT THE GAY POLO LEAGUE
The Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ polo organization in the world that is dedicated to producing high-end LGBTQ polo events and experiences. Its mission is to inspire and empower those individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender via the promotion of and participation in the sport of polo.

The GPL promotes the sport of polo to provide equality, pride, inclusion and confidence for those individuals who face discrimination simply due to identifying themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, gay or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities. 

 GPL works to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of race, sex or sexual identity and works to promote goodwill and camaraderie in the community. Its ongoing goal is to raise money at GPL events to help LGBTQ organizations better serve their communities.  Our battle cry is “the slightest difference makes all the difference”.

 GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ community, athletics, and society at large one chukker at a time.  GPL was awarded the “Champion of Equity & Diversity in Sports” award by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in 2022.

For more information about the organization, its events and how to donate, please visit www.gaypolo.com

Support the show

About Hive₂O Hard Honey™
Hive₂O Hard Honey is a pioneering beverage company that brings the rich, balanced taste of honey to the forefront of the industry. With a focus on innovation, quality, and community, Hive₂O offers a range of hard honey and alcohol-free beverages designed to surprise and delight with every sip.

As a thank you for tuning into this episode of Outside The Boards Podcast, Hive₂O is offering listeners an exclusive online discount and free shipping on all four packs. Use code OTBPOLO24 in all caps at checkout. Visit hardhoney.com to explore products.

About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication.  Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.

Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.

About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity.