by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com
If you’re like me the only time you really ever saw a Polo match was in the movie Pretty Woman or pictures of the sport in a magazine. Long Island, however, has some interesting history with Polo, this centuries old sport dating back some 2,500 years – LI can claim that the Meadowbrook Polo Club is the oldest polo club in the US with roots dating back to 1879. But we are lucky that there are a few places on LI that you can go and watch this fascinating sport. Where else can you combine the athleticism of horses and riders hitting a ball with a mallet while riding full speed across a field all while being chased by opponents? Seriously, football players have nothing compared to these polo players! (Sorry but throwing a ball and being tackled, big whoop!) 
From someone who has been horse back riding since the age of 5, and has witnessed some amazing jumper horses at horse jumping competitions – I have never seen a horse with such intensity as such during a polo match this past Saturday in Bridgehampton. I could almost swear the horses were watching the ball, eh em, keeping an eye on the ball, as much as the athletes from around the world who were riding (for lack of a better word) them.
Going into to watch the match with friends, we were technically ‘tailgating’ at the match (along with hundreds of other spectators), but I am now hooked and want to go back to learn more about the game itself, the teams and how they train the horses that participate. That seems to be the most interesting part – that these horses seemingly love the game – are not in the least bit spooked by men wielding mallet at the ball, nearly crashing into each other and all while galloping, turning and putting their full bodies into the game. It’s breathing taking to watch.
Polo Player Nacho Figueras with two adorable fans!
And of course at half time you get to go out onto the field and stomp the ‘divots,’ or walk across to see if you can spy any celebs under the VIP tent. Or after the match you can get your picture taken with Nacho Figueras, the famed polo player and Ralph Lauren Model, father, and sorry ladies, husband too.
It’s not expensive to go either, for a car load of people (at Bridgehampton Polo Club), its just $20, and you can park and sit right up to the field to watch the event, and bring food to tail gate as well. If you are looking to experience a different event in the Hamptons before the summer is over – there are just 2 Saturday’s left of the Blue Star Jets polo matches at Bridgehampton Polo Club – but check the other clubs listed below for their schedules and ticket prices. This is a fun family event to watch a very old sport featuring these majestic horses.
This is a pet friendly location (Bridgehampton) – but be sure that your pet if you bring him or her is leashed at all times and well behaved.
Polo Clubs Across Long Island:
If you are on Twitter, follow @Poloatthepark
County Farms Polo in Medford, NY
A bit of Polo History:
According to Pro-Polo.com, Polo is arguably the oldest recorded team sport in known history, with the first matches being played in Persia over 2500 years ago. Initially thought to have been created by competing tribes of Central Asia, it was quickly taken up as a training method for the King’s elite cavalry. These matches could resemble a battle with up to 100 men to a side.
British officers themselves re-invented the game in 1862 after seeing a horsemanship exhibition in Manipur, India. The sport was introduced into England in 1869, and seven years later sportsman James Gordon Bennett imported it to the United States.
by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com
Last Thursday, August 4, 2011 dog owners in West Sayville rejoiced and celebrated at the brand new 1.5 acre dog park that opened officially complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The ‘Cherry Avenue Dog Park’ came about due to the tireless work of Long Island Dog Owners Group (LI-Dog) to establish more parks throughout Long Island. This dog park with was sponsored by Legislator Bill Lindsay was the third dog park created under the Five New Dog Parks initiative that LI-Dog championed and Leg. Lindsay supported the passing of the initiative in 2007. There are now five Suffolk County Parks Department dog parks: West Hills; Bydenburgh; Robinson Farm; Mud Creek (off-leash beach) and now Cherry Avenue.
These parks, since they are Suffolk County Parks Department dog parks means anyone in Suffolk County can bring their too. There are no town limitations like at other dog parks, but LI-Dog encourages dog owners to be responsible, clean up after their dog at the park, and to be mindful of other dog owners while your pooch is romping around in the runs.
I for one love the fact that there is a dog park at Blydenburgh – it has helped tremendously because there are less loose dogs throughout the trails of the park. Blydenburgh has wonderful hiking trails that many local horse owners also utilize, and for years walking there with my dogs we would encounter loose dogs in the trails – the dog park has decreased the amount of loose dogs ten fold. We hiked there with our dogs numerous times in the spring and I didn’t see one off leash dog, it is a great thing.
LI-Dog is currently helping Nassau dog owners try and get more parks in their county as well. To find out more information or how to get involved to help go to www.lidog.org.
from l to r, Ginny Munger Kahn, president of LI-DOG; Joe Montuori, Suffolk County Parks Commissioner; Legislator Bill Lindsay, Julie Finnegan, LI-DOG member and her dog Oakley
by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com
Hamptons Bound with your Hound?
Now that summer is in full swing and day trips and long weekends are in our near future – for many of us this means taking our pet along for the trip. If you’re heading to the Hamptons for a day or weekend trip – and you want to know the best places to get pet supplies, a new outfit for your teacup poodle or need to board your pet for the weekend – here are our picks.
Are you renting a house that is not pet friendly and you need a place to board your dog that is not far from where you are staying? You will want to check out the East End Boarding Kennel. The kennel is situated on four quiet, country acres in Westhampton, New York, south of Sunrise Highway. Open 365 days a year and can accommodate up to fifty dogs in an environment that is clean, safe, and secure. All dogs are housed in large individual (heated in cooler weathe) indoor- outdoor runs and enjoy time outside in one of our grassed exercise yard several times a day.
One Stop
Or if you are bringingyour pet with you where you’re staying and need some pet food, supplies and maybe even a pet bed – stop in Southampton and go to One Stop Pet Shop (20 Hampton Rd). The friendly staff of Janet, John or Sue will be there to help you with whatever you need and even though this store is in the heart of Southampton – their prices are very reasonable (better than some stores located ‘up island’). If you can’t find what you are looking for – they can usually order it for you – but they are usually fully stocked with every pet need. Open 7 days a week too.
If you are looking for some luxury for your dog, or a funny and unique t-shirt head down to Jobs Lane in Southampton and go to Little Lucy’s. Named after the store owner’s dog, Lucy – the store is little too – but offers some gorgeous, interesting and not seen very often items for your pet. Pat Hurley, the owner, provides her customers with new and unique pet items every season – you don’t want to miss it. And just a few stores away – there is the Southampton Animal Foundation’s thrift shop – so every purchase made in the thrift shop goes towards helping their shelter animals. You will be surprised what you can find in there! (There is also an additional store to the back of the shop – so two places to find a bargain and do some good at the same time.)
Little Lucy's
If you want your pet to have specialty food contact the Hampton Pet Chef. Their vet approved home made, wholesome, fresh, and
natural pet made to order food, can also cater to your pets special needs.
If you are looking for a great place to bring the kids to see farm animals up close and personal and hear their amazing rescue stories be sure to stop at Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue in Sagaponack for a tour. You will be touched by the stories of each animal at the farm and meet Christine and her daughter Rachel who work tirelessly day after day to care for each animal. They also have all kinds of activities for kids, Pony Tail Little Kids Camp for one, the Amaryllis Saddle Club and more.
If you are looking to adopt a new pet into your family, Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton (on your way if you’re taking the LIE) has plenty of dogs, cats and kittens to choose from. There is also the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation in Hampton Bays and also the Animal Rescue fund of the Hamptons in Wainscott. You are bound to find you new furry love at one of these wonderful locations.
Planning on moving to the Hamptons full time, adopting a dog and need a way to keep your pet safe at home? Stop in Water Mill to the Canine Control Company (720 Montauk Highway) and speak to Patty Veit about the Invisible Fence Brand.
And if you need a dog trainer or pet sitter – contact Waggin’ Tails Dog Walking service at (631) 283-1610.
Our next pet picks for day or weekend trippers you can’t miss will be of the North Fork, then Port Jefferson!
Gardens for ARF ...
by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com
Every year Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) has a fundraising garden tour of six luxurious homes scattered throughout the south fork of Long Island. You kind feel like you’re on a scavenger hunt, but without collecting any stuff, just taking pictures of beautiful gardens and some very unique homes. This year was no different while ARF celebrated the 25th Anniversary of hosting the garden tour on Saturday, June 18th, 2011.
The tour cost $75 per ticket to attend and all the proceeds raised go to help the pets and helps ARF to continue to their amazing work to help the homeless pets their.
We started the tour somewhat backwards-at the 6th house – but that is part of the fun of the tour – it’s self guided and you are not rushed through. The tour starts at 10am and ends at 4pm. While you do need a car to get to each locale, the houses are not walking distance from each other, it is worth the trip. As someone who is probably now considered a “local” (living on the East End for nearly 6 years), I am still amazed at some of the areas I have yet to see. The ARF garden tour brings you down streets and gravel roads – you might not have otherwise gone down before – so it’s a little adventure too.
While on the tour we were greeted by Pearl, who I met two years before on the tour. I recognized this beautiful sweetheart of a pit bull. This tour however is really for people – Pearl was just a greeter with her volunteer Mom & Dad at one of the houses. We met many people along the way on the tour, and I can tell you most were not even from the East End! We met people from Islip, East Islip, Connecticut, West Babylon and more. So if you want to be somewhat of a voyeur and see some beautiful homes, and be able to give back at the same time – be sure to plan for next year’s ARF Garden Tour! And of course if you are looking to adopt a cat or dog, head to their wonderful shelter in Wainscott (that’s between Southampton and East Hampton!).
Pearl Girl!
by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com
Adopt-a-cat month
June is Adopt-a-Cat month and while most of the time it’s dogs that get the attention – there are many cats and adorable kittens across Long Island looking for loving homes. As someone who grew up with cats and each and every one was a stray or feral cat or kitten – adopting a cat will add much happiness, fun, laughter and joy into your home. Every cat we took in – was so smart and lived long healthy lives.
The summer months are the perfect time of year to promote cat adoptions because typically June, July and August bring a surge of cats to the nation’s shelters. Locally one shelter that has an entire building of their no-kill shelter dedicated to cats looking for homes is Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton, NY. Their Executive Director, Pam Green said, “When cats are not neutered or spayed, they reproduce easily, and spring and summer are the seasons when cats are most active, resulting in many kittens showing up at our doors. We encourage everyone to visit their local shelter.” Ms. Green also offered this helpful ‘top ten’ list for those thinking about adopting new cat into your household:
“TOP TEN” CHECKLIST FOR ADOPTING A CAT
- If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider taking home two.
- Find a cat whose personality matches with yours.
- Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first few days following the adoption.
- Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home.
- Budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat.
- Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives.
- Cat-proof your home.
- Go slowly when introducing your cat to new friends and family.
- Be sure to include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan.
- If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process.
- Realize that this is a 12-18 year commitment.
Kent Animal Shelter invites all prospective cat adopters to visit the shelter 7 days a week from 10-4pm. Adoption fees range from $ 50.00 to $ 75.00 and have been lowered to help find homes for the many cats and kittens at the shelter. All cats for adoption have been vaccinated, checked for feline leukemia and aids, de-wormed and micro-chipped.
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