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I only had the pleasure of knowing Sue Sally for 3 years. I do not play polo, but went with her last summer up the coast with 7 horses and a pony to several matches. I am a novice that she again was teaching riding at my young age now of 54. In these few years, I have learned so much about horses, people and life itself. Just last week, after doing sets with the horses she quipped, "you know what Louise, I bet we could run this ranch, just you and I." In the next minute, I would flub something, and she would say, "you're fired.!" That happened almost every time I showed up at the ranch. She was a true friend, a blessing to animals and people alike. I will miss her greatly, but I thank God I knew her even if the time was so short. God be with you and your loved ones. --Louise Prisco When I was a kid, I had my horses at the equestrian center, which is now the Riviera Country Club, then called Riviera riding club. We all rode in a 'rider's gang' and Sue Sal was our leader. She was magnificent on her mustang. One day, I never will forget was when we all were out in the 'upper field' and Sue Sal's horse got kicked by another horse and the veteranarin came to put him down in front of all of us by shooting him point black in the head. Sue Sal and all of us wept together as a team and whenever we would see eachother through the oncoming years, we would talk about the old days and she always said that roan mustang was the best horse she ever had! God bless you, Sue Sally Jones. --Celeste Huston I have only been playing polo since last fall. I went to the desert a few times this winter to play, and played with Sue Sal a few times in practice chukkers and felt very fortunate that she was there to give her words of advise. I felt extremely honored that she played with me and coached me as well. She gave me a lot of inspiration. I understand who she was and her history with polo and I will miss her, and I knoww the sport will as well. --Christine Schreck I was so sad to hear about the passing of Sue Sal. This amazing lady influenced my life on and off the field, and she probably didn't even know she did it. That's the kind of woman she was. The last time I saw Sal she was at the memorial service for James Rice (another mentor I will miss...) where she was honoring his life. Sue Sally Hale kept me on the field and in the game more times than I can remember. One day in particular I was being "challenged" by the male players on my tournament team. She reminded me that it was an accomplishment just to be on a horse and in the game, as she had played in a time when women weren't even allowed to be "official" members of the clubs and teams. She always helped me keep my eye on the ball and joy in the game. And now, even though I am not playing anymore, I will look for that angel on my shoulder keeping me happy to just get the chance to play. --Nancylee Myatt Sue Sally was the greatest cousin that I have had. She has taught me how to ride a horse since I was a little girl. She always let me come up there to her ranch every year for my birthday. She has been a legend to everyone in the polo fields. It was sad when I had found out that she had passed away. Sue Sal and I had such great memories and I wish I could have a least had a chance to say good bye. The great memories that she has put in my mind forever will never change. Everytime I will get on a horse,it will never been the same way again. Sue Sal will be missed deaply by all the Jones'.
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Words can not express what Sue Sally's loss means to the polo community. She spent a lifetime devoted to introducing the sport to new players young and old. Yes, she was controversial and many times she was at odds with "the powers that be" in polo. But without her gumption the ice might never have been broken to allow women in polo, and many of her management ideas that proved to be excellent programs would never have been implemented.
She left behind countless polo players that owe her their knowledge and understanding of the game and horse care. In the obituary I read she is quoted as telling men who threatened her "Boys, better men than you have tried. Be my guest". She then would proceed to show them how the game was played. She always played like a true sportsman. She never threatened anyone even when provoked to the point that most other players would explode in anger. I remember seeing her at a tournament that her sponsors had flown her in and mounted her. Most of us would not call what she was riding, horses. On knock-ins one horse wouldn't even go near the ball, yet Sue Sally never said a word. She was gracious in victory as well as defeat, the epitome of what we would all like to see on the polo field. We will all miss Sue Sally and hope that we can continue her mission to bring new players into the sport as horsemen and sportsmen. -- Danny Scheraga
Sue Sally was one of those wonderfully unique individuals who if you were fortunate enough to know her you are a better person for having had the privilege. For those of us who had the pleasure of knowing her we all know that she has done much more for us than just make us better riders and polo players. She adopted a group of Marines and we called ourselves the El Toro Marine Polo Team. Without Sue Sally’s support we would never have had the opportunity to play polo. She was an example of dedication and perseverance for all of us. Sue Sally was both our equation Sergeant Major and our adopted mother. We learned from her as a teacher and coach, but most of all she was our friend. An advocate for many causes she set an example for "her Marines" by displaying boldness, dedication, and a true warrior spirit in everything she did. She gave so much of herself and I am sure it will be quite some time before we all truly realize what we have lost. She has truly changed my life as well as the lives of all "her Marines". Her love for horses, polo, and life is something none of us will ever forget. It is hard to put to words how much Sue Sally will be missed. However, I can honestly say that the few Marines who have had the honor and privilege of knowing and learning from her are better Marines, better players, better horsemen, and more importantly better men for having known her. Sue Sally we will miss you! As the third verse of the United States Marine Corps hymn states, "if the Army and the Navy ever look on Heavens scenes they will see the streets are guarded by United States Marines". For those of us who wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and have had the honor of knowing you, we look forward to the day that we will be guarding those streets of gold, because by guarding those streets we will once again be able to be with you. Semper Fidelis, Major Caryll G. Rice II, U.S.M.C.R If you would like to post a message about Sue Sally Hale on this Virtual Memorial please e-mail your submission to lynn@polobarn.com. |
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