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He truly loves animals, and I felt a real kinship with him in that regard. During our conversation, there was a bit more activity on the farm than usual, and the horses were clearly a bit spooked. He got up twice to personally care for them and calm them. I was so impressed with how invested he is in these animals to tend to them himself rather than relying on the caregivers. Nic cares deeply for his polo horses and has a relationship with each one of them. “It’s considered that the horses account for 80% of the game whilst players account for just 20%,” Nic has said. Many of his beloved horses are ex-racehorses, or Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds, animals perfectly suited to compete successfully in polo. “Polo is one of the oldest sports and we continue to do things the same way…but at the same time, we are learning things, and the sport is getting more intense and physical,” Nic said. Those unfamiliar with polo may not realize what athleticism and discipline is required. Nic Roldan embodies true athletic discipline and structure. He rises each day at 5:00 am for meditation and exercise, followed by a traditional Argentine maté and then two hours of training with the horses. Nic is very conscientious of what he associates his name with. Because fitness is so important for optimal performance in polo, he partners with equipment company Technogym, with flagship stores in New York and Los Angeles, for his training regimen. His rigorous training will, indeed, serve him well as he prepares to compete in the U.S. Open Polo Championship when it comes to Wellington March 29–April 24.
Photo by Nick Mele
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Metropolitan Magazine | 25Amagazine.com
Photo by Matt Power
