PoloBARN - Caliente Polo Club

Copa Caliente 2002 - October 19th, '02
Tijuana, Mexico

Polo South of the Boarder
By Lynn Bremner

Just a few minutes South of the American/Mexican boarder you will find a very unique polo venue, The Caliente Polo Club. Located on the West-side of the Caliente Race Track, the Caliente Polo Club is home to the largest indoor polo arena in North America. It is called the Hipodromo.

As soon as you drive through the gates of the Polo Club you feel as though you've entered another world. The Club is very rustic and different from any other polo club I've ever visited. As you drive through the maze of barns and authentic buildings you will encounter a number of exotic animals and birds along the way.

The Club set-up a special petting zoo where you could meet the rare animals face to face. Visitors could have their picture taken with lion and tiger cubs. The camels were very entertaining and as interested in the visitors as we were in them. There was a beautiful white tiger, two wolves, and a number of other creatures that we don't get a chance to see up close very often.

In addition to the petting zoo, there was an art exhibition set-up in one of the barns. Various artists displayed their work in the various stalls of the barn. There were some very talented artists participating in the gallery display.

Once visitors had a chance to view the art exhibition and visit the zoo they were then treated to an amazing display of horsemanship during the opening ceremony. The Spanish-style horse exhibition included a presentation by the Alta Escuela. The costumes, horses and riders were fantastic. There was also a demonstration by a Charro and then the final presentation was the Escaramusa, which is a Spanish drill team of ladies in colorful costumes riding side-saddle on white horses.

"Team Mexico won the Copa Caliente Arena Tournament. From left to right: Saul Flores, Santos Areola and Manuel Rodriquez."

The featured event of the day was the polo match between Team Mexico Vs. Team U.S.A. Players from Team U.S.A. included 6-goaler Billy Sheldon from San Diego, Scott Harris, Duffy Healy, Denny Shen, and Ross Neglia. Team Mexico included Saul Flores who is also manager of the Caliente Polo Club, Santos Areola, and Manuel Rodriguez (4-goal arena player).

Team Mexico played very well and had at least two of their three players covering Billy Sheldon at all times. It was a good strategy and kept them in the lead throughout the entire game. Santos Areola and Manuel Rodriguez both scored 6 goals and Saul Flores 5.

Team USA had a lot of spirit and never gave up. Even with Team Mexico ahead by so many points, Team USA rallied in the second half of the game and closed up the gap. Billy scored 3 quick goals in the fourth chukker, which helped Team USA get back in the game. Scott Harris was trying so hard in the fourth chukker that he ended up on his horse's neck three times, but did not fall off. Billy scored a total of 6 goals for Team USA. Scott, Denny, Ross and Duffy all scored 1 goal each.

The game was won by Team Mexico with a score of 17 to 10. It was a clean game and everyone enjoyed themselves. All players seemed to have fun and there was no screaming or shouting and no rough play.

Team USA was the runner up in the Copa Caliente 2002 Tournament. Team USA from left to right: Scott Harris, Ross Neglia, Billy Sheldon, Duffy Healy and Denny Shen (not in picture).

Billy Sheldon was awarded MVP of the tournament. He played an outstanding game. Russ Sheldon was presented with a beautiful Polo Appreciation Award. As the winners of the Copa Caliente, Team Mexico was awarded with bronze trophies. The Caliente Polo Club puts on a first-class tournament with bronze trophies or awards for all participants.

The hospitality of the Mexican Team and all of the people involved in the event was outstanding. A special thanks to Saul Flores and everyone who worked hard to put this event together.

Steve Lewandowski did an excellent job commentating the event. He also organized bus transportation for polo fans to join in the fun and travel down for the match and post game dinner event. It was fun seeing so many familiar faces at the Caliente Polo Club.

There will be more tournaments at the Caliente Polo Club in the near future. We will do our best to keep you up-to-date on the Club's schedule. Hope to see you all at their next polo tournament.

Privacy Statement