Charlie Hanbury, a former successful polo player turned prominent horse breeder through his Lovelocks breeding program, is the founder and driving force behind Best Playing Pony (BPP) UK. Established in 2018, BPP UK aims to celebrate and recognize the equine athletes competing in England’s polo season, highlighting the crucial role horses play in the sport. The initiative awards standout horses with special rugs across major UK tournaments, including the Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup, acknowledging not only the horses but also breeders, grooms, and players involved in their journey.

BPP UK has grown to present over 100 awards in the 2025 season alone, with judges randomly selected from match spectators, ranging from fans to professionals, who choose the most impressive horse in each game. Hanbury personally funds the initiative and seeks sponsorship to expand its reach, though the concept remains focused exclusively on UK polo, with no plans to extend internationally. The program underscores the importance of recognizing the horses as the true stars of polo, complementing the attention typically given to players.