Cowboys wrangle polo players for SMR Cup

It’s unusual to see someone trying to pen a steer while riding in an English saddle.

But during the annual SMR Cup, cowboys and polo players trade places.

The annual three-day event hosted by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch included a fishing tournament, clay shoot and mini-rodeo with team roping and penning Saturday, Feb. 20. The tradition began in 1991 to build camaraderie between East County’s two different kinds of horse people.

For the team roping and penning, each team of riders had to have at least one polo player to keep the game fair.

On Sunday, Feb. 21, the two mix again for a polo match at 9:30 a.m. and a horse race at 1:45 p.m., during the half time of the regular polo match, competing for the Bull Trophy and bragging rights.