Fairy Story

A celebrated mare bred in England, Fairy Story first came to the U.S. in 1923 when the Hurlingham team played in the U.S. Open. Originally owned and played by Earle W. Hopping, she was bought by the Marquis Cholmondeley who in turn sold her to Lord Wimborne. In 1924, Fairy Story returned to the U.S. and was purchased at auction by Stephen “Laddie” Sanford. She was one of the top polo ponies in the 1920s, dubbed “the queen of all ponies,” sweeping an unprecedented number of the major awards, including the Polo Pony championship in 1924, ’25 and ’33, retiring the cup at the age of 17 with her third win. After her final appearance in the show ring, one of the grooms said, “That mare is as handy as a pocket on a shirt.”

Laddie Sanford and Fairy Story

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