Earning it! At the Gaucho Cup

Ruffled hair, flushed face and the biggest grin you've ever seen! Yes, this was Frank van Leuven caught just after he'd played the second day of his first tournament.

"Amazing" he gasped. "The adrenaline rush!" It's fun to interview a player with such passion for the game. And that was the name of his team - H3 Polo Passion. The team was taking part in the end-of-season tournament, the Gaucho Cup, held at Landsberg Polo Club over a fabulous sunny late summer weekend with polo, tango and party.

Frank, when and where did you start to play polo?

I started polo this year, February, in Argentina at El Metejon, where I worked hard for 8 days, learning everything I could from riding, stick and ball and game strategy. The reason for the intensity was clear. My now wife, Julia, said she refused to marry me if I didn't become a polo player. So that was true motivation! When I came back home I continued to ride every so often on a small practice field we have access to, and during the season we occasionally went up to Tagmersheim Polo Club for a couple of friendly chukkers. But I realize it was not enough, and nothing like playing in a tournament. This experience is fantastic. I'm learning to stay in control but also to stretch my boundaries a bit.

And what's your favorite pony?

My favorite pony is definitely Blue, out homebreed. Playing on Blue is like sitting on a sofa. So comfortable and easy. I also play Primero. He's a bit different. He has a completely different gallop and I find it more difficult to adapt to his rhythm.

I thought you played noticeably better in your last two chukkers.

Yes, I felt I was in control and this gave me more confidence.

So what does the future look like?

Well, before, I used to come to polo with Julia, take some photos and perhaps have a beer with the team after the game. But now!! Now I've earned that beer. It's great. I really enjoyed it.

Ok, so you're hooked?

Yes - absolutely. And it's in our marriage agreement!

So, Frank, playing with his wife, Julia, and his team went on to draw for third place in the tournament, with an ecstatic Frank establishing himself as a polo player and earning perhaps more than one beer.