From left: Pedro Falabella, Lerin Zubiaurre and Nic Roldan.
Polo stars Nic Roldan, Lerin Zubiaurre and Pedro Falabella hit the field in Southampton this summer, adding some star power to the season.
"My passion for the sport is something I’ll never lose; it’s given me everything I have today,” says polo powerhouse Nic Roldan (nicroldan.com). The dashing star of the field carved a niche for himself in the sport with his unwavering dedication. Having started playing polo at a young age, he quickly rose to prominence, becoming the youngest player to win the U.S. Open Polo Championship. Roldan’s response is heartfelt and inspiring when asked how he keeps his passion for the sport alive after all these years: “Of course, winning the U.S. Open is an achievement I’m tremendously proud of,” he shares. “However, there are always other prestigious tournaments to win, goals to achieve and another U.S. Open to put my name on.”
Nic Roldan.
Polo is clearly in the blood of many stars of the sport like Lerin Zubiaurre and Pedro Falabella. “I started playing because my dad and uncle both played,” shares Falabella. “I grew up on my family’s polo farm in San Antonio de Areco, a traditional ‘gaucho’ town in Argentina.” Zubiaurre shares that he also picked up many things from his fellow top players, noting that team dynamics are vital. “In a polo team, there are only four players, which is not many, so it’s key that each player fulfills their specific role,” explains Zubiaurre. “The horses are fundamental,” he notes, emphasizing this essential synergy.
Nic Roldan and Pedro Falabella
Polo training is no easy feat, and Roldan’s typical week reflects his commitment to maintaining peak physical and mental condition. “Training, fitness and health always come first. A typical week consists of three training sessions in the gym, multiple recovery sessions and, of course, riding and practicing, which always depend on tournament schedules,” he explains. Balancing the physical and strategic aspects of the game is crucial, and Roldan emphasizes the importance of recovery. “Recovery is extremely important and is often overlooked. For instance, my cold plunge pool is my go-to, and I see huge benefits in my body’s recovery. Team and strategic preparation are constant with each tournament we play, including team meetings, etc.”
Reflecting on his career, Roldan says one match is particularly memorable. “The most memorable game I’ve played to date has been the 2018 final of the Queen’s Cup in the U.K. Not only did we win, but we were presented the cup by Her late Majesty the Queen herself in one of her last attendances at polo,” Roldan recalls with pride.
As a prominent figure in American polo, Roldan is dedicated to influencing the next generation of players. He stresses the importance of hard work and dedication, especially the intricate role of horses in the sport. “Horses require countless hours of training. Polo is a very complex sport, and if you’re not fully invested, it can become a very hard sport to succeed in.” His involvement with the Polo Training Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to teaching youth through polo, reflects his commitment to giving back. “It’s important to me to give back to a sport that has given me everything, and see it done in the right way.”
Lerin Zubiaurre, Nic Roldan and Pedro Falabella saddle up
For many players, polo is just a part of their many endeavors, and connections are made on and off the field. “Polo gave me the opportunity to meet amazing people around the world and gave me great friendships and the chance to meet very smart and successful people whom I learned from and even [some with whom I have] had the chance to do business in and outside of the sport,” says Falabella. Beyond polo, Roldan has successfully transitioned into real estate, integrating his sports discipline into his business strategies. “I’ve been investing in real estate throughout most of my polo career, and it’s slowly evolved into what is now a real estate, design and development brand. My discipline is constant whether I’m on the field competing or off the field walking a new site for a potential development opportunity,” he shares. This venture allows him to channel his passion and inspiration from his travels into creating unique styles in the real estate market.
“Horses require countless hours of training,” says Roldan.
Roldan’s entrepreneurial spirit also led him to the spirits industry with High Goal Luxury Gin. Inspired by his experiences in England, he aimed to bring a passion for gin to the United States. “We wanted to create a liquid that was both smooth and refreshing whilst being very approachable for the U.S. palate,” he says. High Goal Gin stands out in a saturated market by offering a smooth taste that can be enjoyed neat, making it a unique boutique offering. Philanthropy is a significant part of Roldan’s brand, particularly causes focused on children. Since 2016, he has hosted Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo & White Party to raise funds. “In 2022, we formed Sunset Polo International, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) foundation, organized and operated as a charitable, grant-making organization to support projects focused on the welfare of children and educating about the sport of polo,” Roldan explains. Looking to the future, Roldan is excited about expanding his polo and real estate ventures as he continues to grow Roldan Homes.
Regardless of the venture, it is clear that the discipline and dedication on the field also translate to success off the field for these polo stars. “I would say that the word ‘honesty’ is one of the most important things in this career,” notes Falabella, sharing that he focuses on building relationships with his team. “And last but not least, always keep your feet on the ground.”
“In a polo team, there are only four players, which is not many, so it’s key that each player fulfills their specific role,” explains Zubiaurre
“Polo is a very complex sport, and if you’re not fully invested, it can become a very hard sport to succeed in.”–NIC ROLDAN
NIC ROLDAN’S POLO 101
• Polo is like hockey on horseback. The team with the most goals scored wins.
• A polo field is 300 yards by 160 yards—the equivalent of eight soccer fields.
• The game is divided into seven-minute periods called chukkas. A typical match length is six chukkas. In general, three minutes are given between chukkas and 10 at halftime.
• There are two teams with four players per team. A team is numbered from 1 to 4: Nos. 1 and 2 are the forwards; No. 3 is the pivot position (usually the best player on the team); and No. 4 is the back and main defender.
• Each player has a handicap from -2 to 10 (10 being the best), and the team’s handicap is the sum of all four players’ individual handicaps.
• The game begins with a throw-in, in which the umpire rolls the ball between the two teams, who line up opposite each other.
• Teams change ends after each goal is scored. Confused? You’re not the only one! Many players have been known to make a beeline for a goal, wondering why no one is stopping them, only to realize it’s the wrong way!
• You have to hit the ball with a mallet using the long side of the head, not the end, like in croquet.
• You have to hold the mallet with your right hand, regardless of whether you are lefthanded or not.
• The ball can be hit on either side of the pony.
• Polo players wear white jeans, aka “whites,” not jodhpurs or breeches.
• Don’t turn up at a match wearing white jeans unless you are playing that day. A total faux pas!
• Polo is fascinator-free. We’re not at the races anymore.
• The key to polo dressing is to look relaxed yet chic.
• What to wear: Flats or wedges, sunglasses, jeans and cowboy boots, or silk and linen for big occasions.
• What not to wear: stileftos, or your whole day will be spent getting stuck in the turf.
• Don’t ever underestimate the horses. It’s considered they account for 80% of the game while players just 20%.
• If a polo ball hops over the boards near you, you can keep it as a souvenir.
• Players are always happy to sign polo balls post-game.
• Try to watch the game from as high up as possible. This will give you a bird' s-eye view, which will make it easier to follow.
Photography by: PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICK
