Six Chukkers of Love

About the Book

Six Chukkers of Love is more than Clark Hetherington’s autobiography. It is a first-hand account of the history of polo in the United States post World War II. Clark knew all of the movers and shakers, great players and sundry characters that were responsible for polos growth and development. His book is filled with wonderful stories of these individuals and their enthusiasm for the sport. These pages portray not only his love of polo and his important role in its growth but also the influential roles played by each of many other individuals. At the National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame part of our mission is to preserve, record, and archive the history and tradition of polo. Much of what Clark has written in these pages are anecdotes of personal experiences no where else previously documented. The anecdotes and stories convey what all of us who live the sport know to be the true flavor of its tradition. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the author for preserving this history. Six Chukkers of Love is another chapter in Clark Hetherington’s dedicated service to the sport of polo. In 2004, the National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame recognized his lifetime contributions with the Iglehart Award. Some of these contributions are briefly outlined on the plaque in his honor at the Museum as follows: He spent a lifetime dedicated to polo. An avid player since age 7. He later captained the Oklahoma University team. He started Broad Acres Polo Club in 1954 and served four years as USPA circuit governor. At his own expense, he produced educational films such as Charlie Chukker and an umpire training presentation. Clark has been called by many, “The father of professional umpiring”. He tirelessly promoted a uniform standard for all umpires to the USPA and to clubs around the country. After his appointment as USPA chief umpire, he developed umpire training programs and conducted numerous clinics across the nation, furnishing horses and equipment.

About the Author

Wm. Clark Hetherington was born in Norman, Oklahoma on July 25, 1921.  His father was Vice President of the City National Bank and his mother was a beautiful equestrian and taught the ladies equestrian classes at the University of Oklahoma as a hobby.  At a young age, Clark became a good athlete, played football and fell in love with polo at age nine.  Clark graduated from the University of Oklahoma.  He was the captain of the last Oklahoma University Polo Team prior to World War II.  He became a commander of a paratroop battalion with the 11^th Airborne Division at the age of 24 and rank of Major.  He built a very successful development, construction and real estate company.  He started the Broad Acres Polo Club in 1954.  He played and taught polo and umpiring for over 50 years.  Clark was known as the father of professional umpiring.  He  was Vice President of Polo and Equestrian at the world famous, Palm Beach Polo and Country Club.  He and his wife, Marian, have lived in Florida for 22 years.  Their older son, Bill, is a district judge over three counties in Oklahoma.  Steve, their younger son, manages the family shopping center in Oklahoma City.  Clark worked years teaching polo and umpiring and on February 20, 2004, was inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame.