Pony Profiles--I need YOUR memories!

Hello dear readers!

Hearts of Fire: A History of UConn Polo is galloping along at a comet-quick pace because, well, it just won't stop snowing out here in Connecticut! Perfect writing weather.

That means I have nearly completed the 90s chapter, and I am almost done reading and researching the third huge archive album.

Here's the deal, kind folks: The archives have some lovely photos of UConn's polo ponies, but not quite enough actual stories and memories about them. That's where you come in....

Readers want to know these ponies, the steadfast and fearless mounts that carried the players to victory.

Who were they? What were they like? Who was a lovebug? Who was the Grumpy Gus? Who was a true warrior in the arena? Who tugged at your heartstrings? Who loved peppermints? Who was gutsy? Fast? Relentless?

Who was Callisto? Mayday? Rudy? Red? Caretaker? Spinner? Moose? Chester? Cathe? Timber? Moe? Julieta? etc etc etc...

My book will feature "Pony Profiles," memories of UConn's superstars from players, fans, barn staff, professors, and students.

So, ultimately this means: Get your memories in to me as soon as possible, please. Don't hesitate if you're thinking about it, just start typing and hit send (that's what I tell myself when I have writer's block). Thank you, thank you, thank you!

My e-mail is soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net

Please put "UConn Polo" in the subject line.

Help me pay tribute to UConn's equine athletes.

Thank you again, it's the memories that will give the book its heart.

~Helen Scanlon

Helen and Moe, 2013. Photo by Katie Duncan.

Moving right along...

I've had a few snow days here in Hampton, Connecticut--days when I have no choice but to make some tea, sit myself down and flip that laptop open.

Snow days are perfect for writing.

UConn polo formed in 1968, the first team assembled in 1969. So far, I've researched and written up to the 1995-1996 season. Hearts of Fire: A History of UConn Polo is moving along at a nice pace, I am happy with its progress so far--I am ahead of schedule, actually. Thank you for cheering me on, everyone.

Oh, and my second work, The Great Red Horse: A Colt is Born, an illustrated children's book about UConn's two-time World Champion Morgan stallion, UC Ringmaster, is DONE and in the designer's hands. Look for a spring publication.

By the way--if I may share my awe--the UConn women's polo team snagged their first National Championship in 1996. The archives really capture the excitement of the season, recounting fast-paced games and strategic teamwork by Captain Meg Dinger, Kim Morgan, Alicia Wells and Susan Egan. Those Huskies were a tenacious bunch: I swear, my laptop started smoking when I wrote about UConn defeating Cornell in the finals.

Thanks to well-preserved archives (thank you Dr. Dinger), I can weave a story from the yellowing pages and attempt to transport us back to 1996 to see that game. Can you hear the ponies huffing like freight trains as they tear down the length of the arena in a thrilling cavalry charge? Can you see the mallet swing and slice the air, the ball slamming through the goal?

Wow, sportswriting is kinda fun! Who knew?

Are you a past or present player? A fan? Feel free to share your memories with me: soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net

Want to catch a game? Go for it! Click the link to find the schedule. All games are free and open to the public. Don't miss out--it's exciting stuff:

http://animalscience.uconn.edu/equine/polo/polo.php

See you at a game! I'll be wrapped in a blanket with a DD hot chocolate, be sure to say hi.