Chica Boom

Chica Boom was a mare bred and trained by Bart and Nena Evans on their ranch near Midland, Texas. The dark bay pony, “the color of blackstrap molasses,” was a two-time winner of the Hartman Trophy, in 1982 and ‘84, and was the best playing pony in the 1986 International Gold Cup. Her record included play in the 1981 Sunshine League, the 1981 and ‘82 Gold Cups, the 1981 Cartier International Open, the 1982 World Cup, and the 1981, ‘82 and ’84 U.S. Open Championships.

Chica Boom began her polo career at age three, and by age six had graduated to the high-goal tournament ranks. When asked, owner Bart Evans could not name his favorite moment with Chica Boom. “There were too many to count. Every time I played her it was memorable.”

Working cattle at the ranch, Chica Boom became quicker on her feet than the wiliest cow. On trips to Midland Polo Club, she learned to handle bumps and ride-offs, and developed a sense of where the action would flow. And if the action stopped, her front feet remained in constant motion, anticipating the change in the direction of play. In an interview, Nena Evans noted, “When she moved, you’d think chica-boom, chica-boom, chica-boom, boom, boom — the beat of a song that was popular that year. So her name was a natural.”

At the height of her polo career, Bart Evans said, “She’s so quick and easy; you wonder sometimes if she’s flesh and blood. Whatever you ask of her, she does without hesitation. Chica Boom has never said no.”

Watercolor portrait of Chica Boom (Top Photo) by artist, Melinda Brewer; www.poloart.ca