Americas Polo Cup

POLO FEVER: AMERICA'S POLO CUP USA VS INDIA

Tareq & Michaele Salahi rebounded from a controversial year with a polo party and a positive attitude. The sun was shining (it was a scorcher of a day actually) but the wine was flowing, the ponies were galavanting, and the polo match was in full force. This years event was held in West Potomac Park, and featured food from vendors including Tandoori Nights, Kellari, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. There was a silent auction offering dozens of signed photographs, sports jerseys, and musical instruments from entertainers and musicians. I had my eye on the pink signed Taylor Swift guitar. Markette was eyeballing the Jimmy Buffet one. There was a a guitar listed as being autographed by Paul McCartney that had a minimum bid of $1,050. I don't think there were too many bids on many of the items though.

This years event brought out about 250 people. There was a Fashion Show, Best Hat Contest and Best Sari Contest. (The Saris were gorgeous up close.) Miss India Worldwide looked stunning and another attendee we interviewed said her Sari weighed about 14 pounds and took her 45 minutes solo to put on--with help she said it would take about 10 to 15 minutes. Team USA brought home the trophy this year with a 5-4 victory over India. It was a close match. Or so they say, I don't know a thing about Polo. I just learned what a chukker was (it's a period of play). I thought it was a guy who through the ball out on the field =) Well, it is an interesting sport.

POLO FACTS:

Polo is believed to be the oldest game in the world. It originated in Pakistan as a war game well over 2,500 years ago.

The game taught warriors agility, quick thinking, and combative skills on horseback.

It's the oldest known team sport known to man

The Polo field is 300 yards long by 160 yards wide - almost the size of nine football fields.

The mounts are called "polo ponies" although they are actually horses ranging from 14 to 16 hands high and weigh 900-1000 pounds. Most are between 5 and 15 years of age. A good horse can account for anywhere from 70-80% of a player's ability and net worth to his team.

The ball they play with is made out of plastic. Though back in the day it was played with a wooden ball.

Pretty Woman was a great movie. (Ok that's not a fact) But we all love the polo scene in the movie with Julia looking ravishing and sooo classy in her polka dot brown dress and heels!

Media was out in full force this year including the Washington Post, Washington Times. International Asia TV, Associated Press, and many other bloggers and writers. Michaele was also wearing her battery pack mic which we are pretty certain has to do with a little show called "The Real Housewives of DC" (Michaele couldn't comment about it as I'm sure she and Tareq have signed NDA's (nondisclosure agreements) through the roof with the Bravo network. Stay tuned for our interview with the Salahis'. Until then enjoy the photos of this years Polo Cup. Next year the visiting country will be Costa Rica.

Photos by Aaron Bernstein

Go to DC ON HEELS for more pics. And stay tuned for all the interviews!

Vanessa xoxoxxo