Events at Newton Fork Ranch

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"We were pleased to see how nice the cabins are. They are very well kept up. The peaceful surroundings are great. The deer greeted us every morning. They came right up to the cabin."

"This lovely cabin nestled in the Hills seems to be a little slice of heaven on earth…so tranquil and beautiful! Counting the stars from the front deck and then quiet time by the fire…moments to savor. Memories are precious and we reluctantly must leave…but with memories of joy and peace here at Forest Haven cabin."

"So we come here to indulge in the luxury of nature and what beauty and surprises we experienced! Tons of turkey and deer. We even saw bucks on the field out front. Ultimately, this cabin is our favorite home. We love being swaddled in 24 hours of nature and the privacy this Newton Fork Ranch affords."

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Saturday, September 8th proved to be a day of madcap adventure. Spectators at the 17th Annual Picnic & Polo game at Lippman field at Newton Fork Ranch witnessed Linda Flounders, the announcer, take a ball to the head (without missing a vocal beat), scorekeeper Rachel Taylor’s tally sheet disappear mid-game in a gust of wind (never to be found), and Rapid City’s Black Hills Polo team end a three-year victory drought to win, 7 to 5.

It all began with some unusual horse-trading among the players. The teams were rearranged due to the unexpected loss of Kurt Ketelsen’s participation. Rich Jensen of Double Diamond Ranch dusted off his polo mallet and stepped in to fill the void. The teams were then rearranged to even up the talent and experience. Playing for Black Hills Polo was Hill City’s Tim Gregson in the number one position (offense), renown buffalo wrangler and consultant Alex Lammers of Hermosa in the number two position (mid-field), and Alex’s father Duane Lammers in the number three position (defense). Hill City’s own Rushmore Polo & Social Club (whose motto is more “social” than “polo”) was comprised of Rich Jensen in the number one position, Tim’s nephew and team captain Boe Gregson playing number two, and newcomer and British citizen Angela Gross in position three.

The action got off to a swift start with Tim Gregson scoring the first goal; then opposing member Rich Jensen answered the call followed by fellow teammate Boe Gregson who scored a second goal. The second chukker saw both teams playing heavy defense and trying to deny either side a point. Alex Lammers managed to foil Rushmore’s effort and slipped in a goal, thus creating a tie. The announcer should have been playing better defense as a ball, struck by Boe Gregson with tremendous force ricocheted off a horse’s leg, struck the ball boy’s arm, and slammed into announcer’s head. Surprisingly, no injuries were reported.

At halftime, with champagne glasses in hand, spectators were invited to come out on the field and “stomp divots.” About that time, the score sheet flew away.
The third chukker got underway with some of the most spectacular play in recent years. Tim Gregson scored a logic-defying “belly shot” under his horse to take the lead for Black Hills. Angela “this one’s for the Queen” Gross responded in short order with a nearside backhand shot on goal. Boe Gregson, in a show of force, snapped the head off his mallet and the announcer flinched.

It was 3-3 going into the fourth and final chukker which meant the evenly-matched teams would have to dig in. A one-on-one battle ensued on goal between Gross and Gregson. First one would score and then the other with their respective teammates alternating between playing defensive and setting up the shots. With it 6-5 favoring Black Hills, and Rushmore hoping to tie it up for a comeback in overtime, Tim Gregson broke away down field and lobbed a highflying ball over the goal just as the final horn blew. This awarded Black Hills Polo their first win since 2003.

After a touching awards ceremony where Duane Lammers accepted the long-awaited and much anticipated Paul E. Lippman Memorial Polo Cup, fans gathered to enjoy a picnic with lots of delicious food provided by guests, the Alpine Inn, and Newton Fork Ranch.

The polo trophy is now on permanent display at the newly remodeled Alpine bar. Next year’s game, scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2008 should prove no less an adventure.


Dick Flounders throws out the first ball to get the 2007 Picnic & Polo match underway.


Black Hills Polo player Tim Gregson and Hill City's Rushmore team member Angela Gross battled for possession of the ball during Saturday's game.


Rich Jensen of Rushmore Polo reaches for the ball while being closely followed by teammate Angela Gross and opposing team members Tim Gregson and Alex Lammers.


Rushmore Polo moves the ball down field to prepare for a shot on goal as a Black Hills team member sets up a defensive move.


Team captain Duane Lammers accepts the Paul E. Lippman Memorial Polo Cup on behalf of visiting Black Hill Polo Club of Rapid City.


After the game, spectators enjoyed a celebratory picnic with friends and family.

Photographs courtesy of Pam Ramsey and Bob Sass


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Newton Fork Ranch
12407 Deerfield Road
Hill City, SD 57745