Cincinnati is well on its way to becoming one of the fastest growing polo playing centers of the Midwest. This wouldn’t be an unfamiliar title to the area, though.

In fact, Mason was once the heart of the horse-mounted sport. According to Paul D’Souza, a member of the Cincinnati Polo Club (CPC), the Wilkens family had 100 aces of land in Mason, on which CPC members convened and enjoyed their sport for years. But Mason’s residential and commercial expansion led the Wilkens to sell their land, on which the Polo Grille now stands to pay homage to CPC.

It’s more than just a sport, adds D’Souza, it’s a lifestyle – its a lot of fun and has a stylish element to it. It’s like stepping back in time to “The Great Gatsby” days, says D’Souza. From haute couture hats and gala gowns to the shirts and styles that made Ralph Lauren famous, this is one of the most stylish sports around, D’Souza says, and it’s one to be experienced by everyone. “Polo is a family sport, a social sport and once you join, it’s like one big family,” he adds.

“At one time, we had as many as three teams in Cincinnati, when playing on Mason Montgomery Road,” says D’Souza. “You can see photos of our history at the Polo Grille – they are a big supporter of ours even today.”

The Wilkens family later purchased more than 60 acres in Goshen, named it “Wilshire Farm,” and began creating a new home for polo in the Tri-State. In 2009, they corralled the help of five CPC members to reinstate the club, the local polo community and Cincinnati’s love for the sport. Now there are 13 members.

Currently, Wilshire Farm has a large indoor arena perfect for year-round equine activity, and just laid ground for an outdoor polo field that will be ready for summer of 2013.

“We are growing and have tremendous opportunities for men and women from 14-65 or older to play with us,” D’Souza says. There are several clinics, too, to help anyone from the beginner to an expert learn more about the sport. In fact, they have one of the only mechanical horses in North America on which to learn the basics. “This helps you learn the basics of the sport without injuring a horse or yourself,” explains D’Souza. “We also have an expert on-staff to help review and perfect your equitation and polo swing.”

Club members are all ages and skill levels, with playing experience ranging from 6 months to more than 25 years. D’Souza says all are welcome to visit, watch and give polo a try. Practices are held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. and Saturday afternoons when games aren’t scheduled.

If you’d like to watch a practice or try playing, contact: Frank Wilkens at (513) 252-6013 or wilshirefarm@yahoo.com.

The home game scheduled at Miami Meadows this summer:
August 4: Cincinnati vs. Indianapolis
August 11: Cincinnati vs. Darlington
September 15: Cincinnati vs. Indianapolis

Watch the below webcast with Cincinnati Polo Club members to learn more.

Editor’s Note: This is a paid advertising supplement, paid for by the Cincinnati Polo Club.

And they’re off! Keeneland’s recent opening weekend was a huge success, but that’s just scratching the surface of all the fun to come. From Keeneland and the Oaks to specialty events such as Breakfast with the Works, and a James Beard Dinner in June at Donamire Farm – the bluegrass is abuzz with fun events and festivities!

The best way to keep up with all the action? Sign up for the Bluegrass Exclusive Register, your source for entertainment in Lexington and Berea, KY. Bluegrass Exclusive was created by Group CJ, a Lexington-based marketing firm, and brought to you by the Berea Tourism Commission, the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Keeneland Association.

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Berea Tourism Council united to package select attractions in their regions of appeal to a particular leisure traveler (aka you!). Then they pooled their dollars to reach a particular traveler more effectively and frequently than if each were working solo. This year, they’re welcoming their good friends at Keeneland.

They’re giving away four Clubhouse Passes for this spring’s Keeneland Meet to one lucky participant who signs up for the Bluegrass Exclusive Register. “The Clubhouse is a real experience and must-do in Bluegrass Country,” says Nancy Diedrichs, creative director and broadcast producer at Group CJ. “Super elegant dining rooms, old-fashioned bar, view of the racetrack from the front and the horses being saddles in the paddock from the back, everyone is dressed to the nines, fancy hats – some celebrities often show!”

The Bluegrass Exclusive website and emails include exclusive invites, insider tips, upcoming event alerts and helpful sites. As a subscriber of the Register, you’ll receive all this and more!

To learn more, visit BluegrassExclusive.com. To join the register (and enter to win those Clubhouse tickets!) click here. 

Editor’s Note: This is a paid advertising supplement, paid for by Bluegrass Exclusive.

"People just don’t know what I am about and people can’t see behind my smile there is much more to me than I am showing now these are pieces of me." – Ledisi

Character, courage and gumption are unique attributes of many Cincinnati women, but for Yvette Simpson these are words that explain her life.

Simpson’s gumption prompted her to run for Cincinnati City Council. "The City of Cincinnati has the opportunity to be so much greater than it is now and we need leadership to move the city forward," the West End resident said. "We need someone who can bridge the gap that divides city council right now and I hope to be that bridge." She added, "It would be awesome to have a female majority on council. Just think of what we could accomplish."

But Simpson understands that this endeavor is not an easy and comes with many challenges and perceived expectations. On the campaign trail she is finding that she has to work hard to alter the stereotypes that associated with a female African-American political candidate.

"I think we still battle the traditional stereotypes, which is really hard to help people break from. While I don’t find being a single woman in the political arena is exceptionally tough, I think that there is still that expectation that all women are wives and mothers," Simpson said.

"Many people see me as a mother figure, but I don’t see it," Simpson said. Her family is very proud that she is running for City Council though her father jokingly said that this was another thing standing in the way of getting grandchildren. "They are very proud of me," Simpson said.

Simpson jokes about not having a husband or kids, but she keeps her hands full directing the Pre-Law Program at Miami University, which she help to create. In 2007, Simpson left the law firm of Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL to develop the program for the university.

This modern woman who loves sweater sets, colorful business clothes and stylish fashions is always looking for progressive ways to help improve the city and its diverse neighborhoods, and to help young people and the business community. These endeavors help Simpson stand out from the rest of candidates seeking a seat on City Council.

Simpson is a Cincinnati success story. She grew up in Lincoln Heights, and was the first in her family to graduate from college and become a lawyer. All along the way she has been helped and mentored which is why she is working so hard to give back to the community and help move Cincinnati forward.

Planting the seeds for the city’s future begins with being involved, participating in community affairs and not being afraid to mix and mingle with Cincinnati’s diverse population. "Cincinnati is a great place to live, especially downtown. I love the energy and the diversity. There are a lot of things to do," she said.

Those meeting Simpson on the campaign trail at first glimpse see a fashionably stylish woman with a nice smile, but don’t let that fool you. "People either tell me that I am not tough enough, that I should more aggressive, more assertive, or they find me very intelligent and intimidating. But everyone soon realizes that I am just a regular person who is able to navigate in many circles and who believes in the best of everyone.

The hard-knocks of life helped to develop Simpson’s gumption and as she navigates the city’s political waters she said she will not be sacrificing her style or her sense of self to fit what someone believes what leaders should be.

So, it’s up to you – the fashionista readers of Cincy Chic – to decide which outfit best suits Yvette, her platform and her personality. Click here to visit the "Candidate Couture" photo album on our Facebook page and "like" the outfit you like best. One participant will receive a style consultation with Amy Hendy. This package includes a 2-hour in-home style consultation with Amy. Amy will review the winner’s closet, suggesting pieces that would update her wardrobe, and assist her in creating different looks from her current wardrobe. The consultation is valued at $100. In addition, if the winner decides to purchase pieces to accentuate her current wardrobe, Yvette will contribute $25 towards the her clothing order from the Etcetera line.

This is a paid advertising supplement paid for by Citizens for Yvette Simpson, Rhys Reynolds, Treasurer, 2 Garfield Place, Suite 300C, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Cincy Chic does not endorse any political candidate or political organization, and the views expressed in this communication do not constitute an endorsement.