The HPA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of England’s greatest polo players, Howard Hipwood, on Tuesday, 6 June.
An enormous presence on the polo field, Howard played off a handicap of 9 goals for more than 10 successive years and was regarded as one of the best backs in the world. An England captain from 1992, he played in the first revival match of the Coronation Cup in 1971 and was part of England’s 1997 winning Westchester Cup team. Howard played for the Coronation Cup a total of 21 times, winning on six occasions. He won all of England’s major tournaments including the Gold Cup and the Queen’s Cup. He also participated in the Argentine Open, and played in more than 50 countries during his career; winning the Gold Cup in Deauville, the Gold Cup in New Zealand, and the World Cup in Florida for four consecutive years. Howard later turned his hand to umpiring and was voted the Best Professional Umpire in England in 2006. Howard took up polo as a child through the VWH Pony Club, learning the trade at Cirencester alongside his brother Julian.
The brothers were both awarded an HPA Lifetime Achievement Award at the Audi Polo Awards in 2008, in honour of their outstanding contribution to the sport and to the polo community. An HPA Life Member, Howard continued to support polo throughout his life, and his legacy continues through his family.
Howard leaves behind his brother Julian and sister Lyn, and his children Oliver, Jessica, Rosanna, and Sebastian. He will be greatly missed by the polo community, and our thoughts and condolences are with his family.
Photo – Images of Polo