BY LUCY PETERSON
Richard Vogel, a leading German showjumper, won the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen. Upon receiving his winning score, Vogel paraded around the ring with his horse United Call JPS, a tradition that has been a part of Equine sports for centuries. But Vogel stuck out a hand as he passed eager fans who had paid money for tickets and traveled far distances to witness the Rolex Grand Prix in person. By doing so, he made young equestrians and viewers feel seen by their idol, which is not always common practice in equestrian sports today.
Competitions usually go by without any connection between competitors and the spectators that bring community and spirit to the sport. The stands become a barrier between those that are fortunate and talented enough to compete in high-level competitions and the people that worship horses and maybe even have dreams of being able to compete at the high level themselves. At smaller competitions, victory laps aren’t always even performed anymore, hindering the growth of sportsmanship and support for winning competitors.
But in rural Hamden, Connecticut, there is more than just a victory lap at the end of each game. Giant Valley Polo Club has fostered a community of local residents who spend their Sunday afternoons lining the field, eager to watch polo. While polo may be a very fast-paced sport that is easy and fun to watch even if you are unfamiliar with the rules, a big part of the spectator turnout is the involvement with the crowd and the inviting nature of the players.
At the end of the last chukker, all of the riders shake hands with the opposing team and the umpire, encouraging sportsmanship and friendly conversation between opposing players. Afterwards, they line the perimeter of the field and trot down to say hello to their fans. They provide the chance for spectators, whether they be lifelong fans of polo or children who have recently fallen in love with the sport, a chance to connect. As they go, the players offer a smile and a wave hello to the particularly eager kids. This solidifies a memory of attending polo games and being recognized by the players they saw running down the field just moments before. This connection ignites a passion to play polo in some, and brings many back to Giant Valley the following weekend for the next game.
Doing a high five line creates a positive, memorable moment that draws people back to the stands. It provides the opportunity for individuals who are passionate about equestrian sports to connect with the horses and riders on a personal level. When fans are confined to the sidelines and are so removed from the players and competitors they so eagerly watch, it hinders the capability for connection.
At Giant Valley, spectators and polo enthusiasts continue to return to games and are eager to show their support for the farm. Every Sunday, the same kids line up to high-five their favorite players. The next week, they return with more friends, which is one of the many ways in which the barn has continued to thrive over the decades.
Equestrians can model after both professional riders like Richard Vogel and local farms like Giant Valley Polo Club. Victory laps are performed regularly at Hunter and Jumper events, but there is no recognition for the fans who offer unwavering support. A simple high-five line parade down near the stands would encourage a stronger bond and a friendlier nature between riders and spectators, which would in turn help to grow the sport by bringing more people to future events and to their own local barns to try it out themselves.
