In a sport where the health and resilience of our equine partners are paramount, the story of VDL Touch of Class at the Welsh Masters 1.25m final is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a polo pony and the unwavering dedication of her team.

Twenty months ago, the mare, affectionately known as 'Touch', sustained a severe leg fracture, an injury that often spells the end of an athletic career, if not worse. Compounding the challenge, a subsequent bone infection threatened to derail any hope of recovery. Yet, under the meticulous care of her owner, Darren Smith, and a dedicated veterinary team, Touch embarked on a long and arduous rehabilitation.

Her return to competitive polo, let alone a victory at a significant event like the Welsh Masters, was, by all accounts, a long shot. However, in a display of grit and heart, Touch not only competed but dominated the 1.25m Showground Photography final. Smith, a seasoned horseman, openly admitted to being overcome with emotion, stating he "cried like a baby" as his mare crossed the finish line, a raw and honest reaction that underscores the deep connection between player and pony.

This triumph is more than just a win; it's a powerful narrative about perseverance. For those of us who live and breathe polo, we understand that the horsepower beneath us is 75% of the game. A pony like Touch, who has faced such adversity and returned to perform at peak levels, embodies the very essence of the sport's spirit. Her story will undoubtedly resonate through the stables and clubhouses, serving as an inspiration and a reminder of the extraordinary athletes we are privileged to partner with.

What this means for Touch's future is yet to be fully seen, but her performance at the Welsh Masters has firmly re-established her as a mare of exceptional character and ability. Her journey from the brink to the winner's enclosure is a powerful endorsement of dedicated horsemanship and the sheer will of an equine champion.