HPC offers riding lessons for kids and adults, as well an array of teams—of various skill levels—for up-and-coming and professional players to join.
From first-time lessons to an action-packed tournament schedule, here is our ultimate guide to Hamptons Polo Club.
Welcome to Hamptons Polo Club, the East End’s equestrian mecca, complete with five tournament pitches, two stick and ball fields, a refurbished arena, stalls for over 70 horses and more. After merging Southampton and Bridgehampton Polo Clubs last year, the HPC has taken the reins with brand-new leadership and upgraded facilities, allowing local players and families to get back to the fields and embrace the rich equestrian history of Long Island. “Our club is located in some of the most beautiful countryside in the Hamptons,” says player and founding member Ali Bailey of the sprawling Water Mill campus—framed by lush, rolling hills and iconic sculptures by local artist Nova Mihai Popa. “It’s such a privilege to get on a horse and ride in this place. Th e vibe is fun, competitive and totally Hamptons.”
Polo mallets
Since its debut, the club has been rightfully dubbed the place to play for both world-class professionals and up-and-coming athletes. With practices already underway, the club is gearing up for an exhilarating season of tournaments from June to September. “We offer a wide range of play from beginner lessons to high-level leagues,” shares player and founding member Nick Manifold. “Players are arriving from all around the world, with some of the biggest polo stars expected. In July and August, games will be played almost seven days a week.” Having only one year under its belt, the club has already transcended the boundaries of the sport, becoming an international hub for players (and fans) to compete and connect all summer long. On this year’s lineup, expect to see the biggest and best faces in the sport, including Nacho Figueras, Mariano Aguerre, Nic Roldan, Magoo Laprida, Lerin Zubiaurre, Sebastian Merlos and Pedro Falabella.
Hamptons Polo Club’s exciting tournament season runs from June to September.
As for first-time players? No need to sweat. Th e club offers riding lessons for kids and adults itching to try the sport, and some of the HPC polo teams have two or even three generations of the same family together on the field. “If one or more parents play, the kids naturally take up the sport,” says fashion executive and player Jessica Sailer. “The kids can start riding at 4 years old or sometimes earlier. Usually, the young ones make a natural connection with the horse, and by the time they’re in middle school, they’re almost professional!”
Founding member and player Ali Bailey
“Another fabulous element of polo is the social side,” adds Bailey. “Members and friends attend games for the competition and camaraderie,” she says, laughing, “and, of course, the people-watching.” This summer, look out for games throughout the weekend, with special events, like the Independence Cup (which doubles as a Hamptons cover dinner with Nic Roldan, Pedro Falabella and Lerin Zubiare) and Polo at Sunset, sprinkled throughout. “Polo at Sunset combines polo with Friday evening cocktail and an open-fire barbecue,” she explains. “It’s exciting to welcome new spectators to the sport and hopefully attract some new players. Polo by the beach, what’s not to like?” 206 Millstone Road, Water Mill,thehamptonspoloclub.com
LOCAL LINGO
CHUKKER: A period of play within a game; a chukker is seven minutes long. In high tournaments, there are six chukkers per match.
MALLET (TACO): The stick players use to hit the ball. It is measured in inches, and players change mallets when they jump on a horse of a different size.
HANDICAP: All registered polo players are rated on a scale of -1 to 10 (the higher the number, the better). The handicap of the team is the sum rating of its players.
HIGH GOAL: A higher level of polo combining top professional players at a combined team handicap of 16 goals or greater.
LOW GOAL: A lower level of polo combining professional and amateur players together at a combined team handicap of 8 goals or less.
LINE OF THE BALL:“Crossing the line” is the most frequent foul in polo. The line of the ball (the imaginary line along which the ball travels) represents a right of way for the player following nearest that line.
POLO PONY: A horse explicitly trained for the sport. A player can switch ponies at least once per chukker to give the horses rest.
RIDE-OFF: Two riders may make contact and push each other off the line to prevent the other team from striking the ball.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
JUNE 4 GOAL
Saturday, June 1
JUNE 8 GOAL
Saturday, June 8
JULY 12 GOAL
Wednesday, July 3
JULY 6 GOAL
Saturday, July, 6
INDEPENDENCE CUP
Friday, June, 28
TWO TREES CUP 16G
Wednesday, July 17
POLO AT SUNSET (12G)
Friday, July 19
POLO AT SUNSET (16G FINAL)
Friday, Aug. 2
AUGUST 10 GOAL
Sunday, Aug. 4
THE HAMPTON CUP 16G
Tuesday, Aug. 6
POLO AT SUNSET (16G)
Friday, Aug. 16
AUGUST 4 GOAL
Sunday, Aug. 18
12 GOAL KNOCK-OUT
Monday, Aug. 26
GLADIATOR CUP
Saturday, Sept. 15
Photography by: PHOTO BY BETH NEVES
