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.

This is what history looks like:

Polo archives, courtesy of Doc Dinger.

I got through about half of the first album yesterday. GOOD STUFF, people!

Breaking News...

Dr. James Dinger will write the foreword!

A mountain of archives=Heaven!

Many thanks to Doc Dinger for lending me a mountain of UConn polo archives. I think I am going to need ropes and crampons, and perhaps a yak.

"That's not all of it," Doc told me.

Gracious!

Thank goodness for Doc and his impeccable record-keeping. UConn polo has a rich and exciting history, and boy--I have A LOT of fun work to do.

I LOVE THIS STUFF!

And, I just received my first e-mail from a longtime UConn polo fan. Thanks for your great story, Mark!

Let's get those e-mails rolling in--players past and present, fans--talk to me!

soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net

put "UConn Polo" in the subject line, if you will (so my spam eater doesn't banish it to the trash bin).

You guys rule, thank you.

Oh, and one more thing?

UConn polo is AWESOME. Great teams, great coaches, great players, great ponies.

Go Huskies!

First meeting!

I am excited to start the research phase of my UConn polo book!

Tomorrow I meet with Dr. Jim Dinger, longtime UConn polo coach. He has a ton of archives, photos and of course--stories--to share with me.

Now, I really need to hear from YOU! 

You played for the UConn polo team? You currently play for the team? You took polo lessons? You are a UConn polo fan?

This is what I would love to know from you:

1. What do you love about UConn polo?
2. Who was your favorite pony and why?
3. Your favorite match?
4. Most memorable moments?
5. Any humorous "behind the scenes" stories?

...and any other nuggets you'd like to share. It's YOUR stories that give the book its heart!

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

And THANK YOU!

Below is a photo I took of Moe, my favorite UConn polo pony. He was the ref's horse for this particular game, and was retired later that year. He was a superstar in the arena---I loved watching him stop on a dime, then spin around and fire on all cylinders to send the dirt flying. What a horse!

My Horse, My Heart--PUBLISHED!

*wipes brow*

Wow, I can't believe the day has arrived. The first book is published and ready for the world! Click the link to get your copy:

My Horse, My Heart: The Morgan Horses of the University of Connecticut

Thank you to everyone for your help and support--so many people worked behind the scenes to get this book FINISHED and in print. I could not have done this without you. Take a bow!

This book journey introduced me to world of Morgan horses and their loving humans. I discovered that the Morgan horse world is incredibly warm, gracious, supportive and helpful. I made friends, and was given opportunities to swing a leg over a couple of amazing UConn-bred Morgan horses. Sheer joy!

Oh my goodness, thank you. I am humbled and honored!

I hope all of you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

warmest regards from Hampton, Connecticut,
Helen

My Horse, My Heart

Under a tree, my beloved steed

Earth and roots now hold you near.

Twisted branches scrape the painted sky

With sun to soothe and stars to guide.

My old friend, he is there in the nimbus

Wind shapes his hoof and molds his ear.

I see him in the rays through my window

I hear him in the gust through the flue.

My horse, my heart-- he is near.

My horse, my heart--he is here.

-Helen Scanlon, 7/10/11