Gabriel Donoso....................

[rosita]

Such a nice guy, always had a nice word to say. Feel very sad that he is gone. Haven't been on here for a while but had a quick look and can't see any thing marking his loss, sorry if i have missed something. Feel terrible for his kids.
Always will remember him in st Moritz, life and soulxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[GTs]

No, no one has mentioned his passing here (polo news rarely makes it here). Definitely very sad, especially for the family!

It does raise a couple important points -

- It was said a contributing factor was he was playing too soon after another accident he had. You have to be very careful after a nasty fall, as the one that happened on Nov 5th did not sound too horrendous (horses spooked at the goal post while he was leaning out looking for the ball), but compounded it was tragic.

- We have a lot of people are getting into polo, or have just started playing. Polo is a dangerous sport (second only to motor racing I believe). It is something you have to be aware of, and when you play, becareful - make sure you have an experienced mentor who will take care of you, do not over mount yourself, be aware of where the other ponies are, what is going on in the play. Of course Gabriel being one of the best players in the world was well past this elementary level, however it is important for the majority of polo players.

 

[PapaFrita]

I hadn't realised he'd died, although I knew he was in a bad way. How sad.

 

[madgirl]

Very very sad ! Another younger girl died just doing pony club polo this year!

 

[rosita]

Not been the best year really for polo, Brian Morrison is still in a comma, Urs Swarchenbach had that nasty accident and was airlifted out, the 20 yr old girl at ponyclub, and now gabriel. Feel terrible for the familys. Although Polo is dangerous this year has been very unlucky and sad.

 

[flyingfeet]

Actually compared to eventing polo is very safe

One death in the UK in past five years (the pony club one), whereas dozens with eventing.

However fair to say falls on the flat tend to be nastier than jumping (unless horse lands on you)

Gabriel was injured in chukkas, so I wonder whether he even had a hat on? I doubt it.

 

[GTs]

Most polo players wear their helmets for practice games - a ball to the head would do serious damage.

 

[rosita]

Paul Clarkin was killed during a game 2 years ago. Didn't really want to start a debate on the safety of respective horse sports, just mark the passing of another very nice man and great player.

 

[flyingfeet]

Good point - perhaps that was pony club polo deaths I was thinking of?

Clarkin's have had more than their fair share of tradegy.

Still more people killed out hunting!

 

[rosita]

All horse sports are dangerous. It's not a competition as to which is more so.