"This helps us keep our programs going such as housing and food assistance for low-income families here, some of which live in Buellton. We raise roughly $150,000 from this event that goes directly back into our community," said Dean Palius, executive director of PHP.
The Polo Classic started when People Helping People were contacted by Joel and Charlotte Baker a few years ago stating they wanted to help the organization by suggesting they host a polo match, according to Palius.
"I brought the idea before the board and they loved it. Every year just gets better and better and we have some of the biggest names in the sport volunteering to play which is wonderful," Palius said.
The Buellton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Bureau said the Polo Classic has become one of the city's signature events and are always happy to attend.
We are fortunate to have such a unique venue in Circle JB Polo Ranch to hold this fabulous event. We truly appreciate People Helping People and the work they do for our community and enjoy the opportunity to work with them," said Kathy Vreeland, executive director of the chamber and visitor's bureau.
The Buellton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Bureau said the Polo Classic has become one of the city's signature events and are always happy to attend.
We are fortunate to have such a unique venue in Circle JB Polo Ranch to hold this fabulous event. We truly appreciate People Helping People and the work they do for our community and enjoy the opportunity to work with them," said Kathy Vreeland, executive director of the chamber and visitor's bureau.
The Polo Classic featured two games this year the first being the Preliminary Match which tied, featuring up and coming polo players. The Red team had Athena Malin, Jillian Tietje and Alfonso Giannico and the Blue team had Mathew Gonzales, Nico Escobar and Lucas Escobar.
The second game was made up of Team USA - represented by three of the players that took home silver in the 2015 Polo World Championships in Santiago, Chile.
Team USA's roster was Remy Muller, Patrick Uretz and Jesse Bray who played against The Masters, comprised of Santa Ynez Valley local Andy Busch, an avid player and he recently played with Prince William in 2011 at the Santa Barbara Polo Club; Guillermo Graciada Jr., who learned to ride at age two and has 16 U.S. Open Victories and is in the Polo Hall of Fame holding the highest ranking of 10 goals for 21 years; and Joel Baker, owner of Circle JB Polo Ranch, who ranked as one of the top ten polo players in the country and recently coached Team USA in the World Championships.
Team USA's roster was Remy Muller, Patrick Uretz and Jesse Bray who played against The Masters, comprised of Santa Ynez Valley local Andy Busch, an avid player and he recently played with Prince William in 2011 at the Santa Barbara Polo Club; Guillermo Graciada Jr., who learned to ride at age two and has 16 U.S. Open Victories and is in the Polo Hall of Fame holding the highest ranking of 10 goals for 21 years; and Joel Baker, owner of Circle JB Polo Ranch, who ranked as one of the top ten polo players in the country and recently coached Team USA in the World Championships.
Team USA won against The Masters in a great match which was packed with more than 600 people in attendance.
The event was partly sponsored by Happy Canyon Vineyards, owned by the Barrack family, whose son TJ Barrack usually competes in the event. This year surgery prevented him from playing however he was rooting on the sidelines.
"For me this is about combining my two passions of polo and wine and we get to give back to our community. We think People Helping People are doing fantastic work in the valley and we are grateful to help in our own way," Barrack said.
There was almost as much activity off the field as audience members on the General admission side enjoyed a barbecue lunch provided by the Buellton Rotary Club and tacos by the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott. Those on the VIP side were treated to a catered lunch provided by Field to Table and ladies participated in a hat contest.
For more information on the Polo Classic visit PHP's website or contact them 805-686-0295.
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| Katie Russell of Santa Ynez with friends Cameron and Susan Azad |
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| Watching the riders warm up on the field |
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| Joel Baker the owner of Circle JB Polo Ranch in Buellton rode for The Masters team during the polo match |
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| Folded Hills Ranch owner Andy Busch played for The Masters - Busch is an accomplished polo player and has played with Prince William in 2011 at the Santa Barbara Polo Club. |
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| The Preliminary Match featured up and coming polo players |
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| Molly McGill of Solvang is normally a barrel horse racer and she traded her boots for a fancy hat to spend an afternoon with friends. |
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| Kim Morrison and Mary Conway of People Helping People preparing for a good time! |
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| VIP Event Coordinator Rani Hoover with PHP Executive Director Dean Palius enjoying the matches! |
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| The VIP section were served a delicious lunch provided by Farm to Table, wine by Happy Canyon Vineyards and treats by Solvang Bakery. |
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| The Buellton Rotary Club provided a scrumptious lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs to patrons on the general admission side! |
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| Pamela Dozois and daughter Devyn Samara looked lovely as they prepared to watch the matches |
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| Mike Hennigan of Santa Ynez announced the silent auction and has attended the Polo Classic every year |
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| The hat contest was well attended and some really creative ones won! Here is Nancy |
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