Wellington’s Robert Orthwein: Polo Player And Equestrian Idol This year’s Equus Foundation Equestrian Idol winner, 27-year-old Robert Orthwein, is the essence of a modern gentleman. With his roots in the St. Louis horse world, he makes sports and family his priorities. He is a musician and songwriter who embraces hip-hop culture and storytelling. This
rapper, third-generation polo player and Wellington bachelor is as charming as you would expect someone born on Valentine’s Day to be. Orthwein did not find his passion for polo until he was in his teens. He explored other interests. “The best
Story by Carrie Wirth
thing about growing up in St Louis was the Cardinals,” he said. His father, Steve Orthwein, is a former chairman of the United States Polo Association and was recently inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame. His mother, Ginny Orthwein, competed in the jumpers and still rides occasionally. She has become an avid and skillful golfer. “The men in the family don’t dare play her,” Orthwein said. “She will most likely win.” As you would imagine, horsemanship runs deep in the family. “I actually don’t remember the first time I rode a horse. I don’t think I was walking yet. Everyone in my extended family plays polo,” Orthwein said. “One of the greatest memories I have was playing in my grandfather’s 80th birthday tournament. He actually suited up and played on his 80th birthday. All the players were Orthweins. My dad, my brother and I won our first two games. We got to the finals, and we lost to my grandfather and my uncle Peter. It was tough. It was definitely competitive.”
Robert Orthwein shows off his talents on the polo field. Photo by David Lominska www.polographics.com
May 2011 2011 |wellington |wellington the the magazine| magazine| 28 May
Orthwein got into music, in particular hip-hop, in his teens. At the University of Virginia, he majored in modern European history and did an independent study project on hip-hop and spirituality. Studying Slavic folklore and storytelling struck a chord and complemented his interest in rap. During college, he was in two bands, the Theory, a rap group he describes as very tight, and another, Hipadellic, a little looser. They played regular gigs at nightclubs and at parties. Orthwein teamed up with a fellow musician and Theory member, Matt