Gargantilla

The celebrated polo pony Gargantilla could not be confused with any other. A flashy piebald, white-throated mare, neither her appearance nor talent on the field could be ignored. Owned by Harry Payne Whitney, she was a favorite mount for his best friend Devereux Milburn with whom she is linked eternally, memorialized in numerous photos and at least two works of art for their unforgettable play together in the top matches of the era.

Foaled in 1914 in Argentina, Gargantilla first made her reputation as a star of the Argentine team, earning the title of best playing pony in 1921. The following year, after yet another victorious season, Gargantilla helped the Argentines win the Open Cup at Hurlingham in London followed by a victory of the US Open Championship of America in 1922 playing under John Miles and Lewis Lacey. At the conclusion of those matches the spectacular mare was promptly purchased by Harry Payne Whitney to add to his string of superior ponies. She immediately became a favorite mount for Whitney’s close friend Devereux Milburn, winning the most important matches in the U.S. in 1923, that feat capped off by winning the coveted Prince Friarstown Cup of the National Polo Pony Society. The celebrated duo went on to play together for many more years. Intriguing tributes to their special story are the portrayals of Milburn on Gargantilla by two of the most outstanding artists of the era, Sir Alfred Munnings and Franklin B. Voss.

Gargantilla Milburn 1924 BB U.S. Open

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