Letter from the President of FIP about the tragedy at the USA Open

                                                                                                    Buenos Aires, 21st April 2009

Dear friend of our Polo Community,

You certainly have heard by now or seen on TV and many international papers images of the horrible accident occurred during the USA Open.

The death of these many wonderful horses on the field and on the way to the clinic was a terrible emotion for those present that day but we at FIP share the dramatic grief of devoted petiseros, owners, players, spectators, the Palm Beach Community and the USPA officers.

Everything possible was done by the organization, veterinarians, officials and players but were unsuccessful to limit the damage.

Of all places were horses are specially nursed it had to happen in the USA.

Of course we together will learn from this drama and we owe to the memory of those horses that this should never happen again if it depends of a human error or lack of human control.

The Authorities the USA Agriculture and Consumer Services along with the USPA are undertaking a full investigation. We must in the meantime express and show more than ever our love for our horses but avoid any conjuncture.

Polo has proven its virtues for centuries lets be all together while we wait for the result of the inquiry and let’s come out stronger from this tragedy.

Yours affectionately,
Patrick Guerrand-Hermes
President
Federation of International Polo