Polo Passion
High Season in Wellington, Florida
A
s sparking champagne pours into a flute, a stiff leather boot creaks when a loose spur is tightened. The reverberating vibration of galloping hooves passes by, just steps from where you stand, while a group of oversized hats, flowing print dresses and matching wedge heels prance by. A goal is scored. A cheer bursts from the crowd. This is polo. Polo can mean any number of things, depending on whom you ask. But for many who flock to Wellington in the winter months, polo is simply everything. Wellington exploded as a wintertime hub for equestrian sports about twenty years ago. The International Polo Club (IPC) began hosting tournaments in 2002, securing the area's status as an elite polo destination. It now attracts the very best in polo competition annually January through April. Three major high-goal tournaments take place during the winter season, and all of them host finals at IPC, which is by far the largest, and most high profile polo club in the United States.
Top: During high season, up to a dozen games of polo are played every weekend. Bottom: Galloping in pursuit of the ball.
Photos: Courtesy of LILA PHOTO, Alesandra Leckie and Erin Gilmore.
BY ERIN GILMORE
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09/05/13 13:10