Honorees Included Orrin Ingram, James and Lexie Armstrong and Robert Lipman. Photo by Peyton Hoge
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Chukkers for Charity, presented by The Danner Foundation, honored Orrin Ingram, Lexie and James Armstrong and Robert Lipman for 30 years of leadership. Team Land Rover beat Team Cadillac 8 – 5. The big winners were Rochelle Center and Saddle Up!, who have received more than $3 million in the 30-year history of the match held at Riverview Farm in Franklin. The annual event is organized by volunteers led by co-chairs Lauren Hathaway and Sarah Michaud.
Saddle Up! CEO and Executive Director said, “We are delighted with this year’s match, which raised much-needed funds for both non-profit organizations, while providing an afternoon of high-energy polo, camaraderie, a silent auction and simply a fun-filled afternoon for families. ‘Sugar’ Erskine and his fellow polo players really put on a lively match. We are truly grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and patrons for making it so successful.”
Sugar is called the “Miracle Comeback” since in 2016 he suffered a catastrophic, career-ending fall during a high-goal match in Houston, Texas. The severe injury required major surgery, leaving him in a body brace for months. Medical professionals told him he would never be able to ride or play polo again. Overcoming immense physical and mental hurdles, he defied the odds and made an emotional, triumphant return to professional competition in January, 2018.
The MVP Award went to player Alejandro Gonzalez, who received a Grand Seiko SS Quartz Heritage Watch, donated by the official jeweler Diamond Cellar. Best Playing Pony was sponsored by Tennessee Equine Hospital and was awarded to Fernet, played by Whistle Uys and owned by Graymar Farms.
See the full photo gallery below
Team Cadillac included players Sugar Erskine, Aaron Barrett, Wes Finlayson and Cesar Rangel. The opposing Team Land Rover included Captain Whistle Uys with teammates Alejandro Gonzalez, Zulu Scott-Barnes and Stevie Orthwein.
This year’s theme, “Anchored in Tradition,” brought a nautical theme, which was reflected in fashion and decorations throughout the event. Tailgaters and VIP Cabanas were decorated with a nautical flair, and Your Williamson presented the award for the Best Decorated Tailgate to Rebecca Hopkins who will receive a free Tailgating spot for next year’s Chukkers for Charity. Second place went to Natalie Gilbert and Eliza O’Neill and third place to Kim Mallory.
Country sensation Angie K sang the National Anthem during opening ceremonies.
Chukkers for Charity is Tennessee’s largest and highest-grossing charity polo match, which has raised more than $3 million since 1996.
Chukkers for Charity was hosted by Orrin Ingram and Stefanie Latham at Riverview Farm, 1475 Moran Road, Franklin, Tennessee.
Sponsors for Chukkers for Charity include The Danner Foundation, Andrews Transportation Group, Blackbird Media, Lipman, The Residences at The Nashville EDITION, Ironhorse Farms, Lifepoint, Wyelea, Secure Air Charter, LBMC, BNA, Optimum Wealth Group, Tennessee Equine Hospital, Jones Properties, Associated Terminals/Turn Services, Mary Ann Degan, David Darst/Morgan Stanley, Publix Charities, Pendleton Square Trust, Old National Bank and Duke Design Group.
2026 Chukkers for Charity Photo Gallery
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Photo credit Peyton Hoge
ABOUT ROCHELLE CENTER
In 1968, long-time area educator W.R. Rochelle, began the foundation for the agency offering support for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. These supports enhance skills necessary for the individuals to become as active and independent as possible in our community. Today, Rochelle Center continues Mr. Rochelle’s Vision and Mission with community integration, employment, in addition to residential services.
ABOUT SADDLE UP!
Saddle Up!’s mission is to provide children and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to grow, develop, and thrive through therapeutic, educational, and recreational activities with horses. Each year, Saddle Up! serves more than 500 riders, delivering over 5,000 hours of life-changing programming across eight year-round programs. As the oldest and largest program of its kind in the region, and the only one exclusively serving children and young adults with disabilities, Saddle Up! is a trusted leader in equine-assisted therapies. The organization is a Premier Accredited Center through PATH International, upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and excellence in the industry. For more information, call 615.794.1150 or visit www.saddleupnashville.org
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