Attending a Polo Match has been something on my bucket list for a long time. It happened and in the most exquisite and elegant way, a Parisian Picnic.
Meadow Brook Polo Club, a revered name in the world of polo and equestrian sports, has a series of summer matches and events full of fun and social elegance that will delight you. I had the pleasure to join them for their Parisian Picnic, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Meadow Brook’s picturesque grounds that is just a short gallop from New York City.
The club was founded in 1884 and is the oldest and most prestigious polo club in the country. It has entered a new golden era under new management with exciting new events.
The match was fun and exciting. Watching the beauty of the ponies and the player’s talent and skill showed through. I learned a lot of lingo from the very entertaining and funny emcee (“sports” caster). Here are just a few:
- Chucker: these are the periods of play. Each game has 6 Chuckers.
- Line of the ball: this is the imaginary line created by the ball in its travel and is the basis of polo play on the field.
- Throw in: this is when the initial ball is thrown into play at the start of the chucker.
The matches (we were able to see two matches on this day) were an exhilarating experience to watch. When the players were swapping ponies all attendees were asked to go on the field and do the custom of the Divot Stomp. It was my Pretty Woman moment! It also gave me a better sense of how large the Polo Field is, it’s the size of 5 football fields.
The VIP afternoon consisted of sitting under a gorgeous tent and being served libations and catered Parisian-inspired food by Maxwell’s Plum. Croissants, pastries, fruit, charcuterie, and of course macarons to end the afternoon.
Later that evening we headed over to the Apres-Polo Party at Groton Place. A 108-acre estate with a Georgian-style manor house in Old Westbury where the views are endless and the landscape is filled with horses. I spent a few hours there chatting with other guests, polo players and their lovely families. I can’t stress enough how this entire day is super family-friendly. Take the kids, take your parents, it’s a family affair for the polo club members too and that was very evident.
Later we were treated to a delicious meal when the sun was setting and the decorative lights beamed to make the whole experience elegant and memorable.
This summer the club offers matches every weekend from now through September 23rd. Tickets are available at: https://meadowbrookpoloclub.com beginning at $20 – $38. VIP cabana and tailgate options range from $200 – $1200. If you’re doing this go for the VIP, you will not be disappointed.
Some of their upcoming weekend-themed events are:
- Saturday, July 29th Mad Hatter Tea Party
- Saturday, August 5th Roaring Twenties
- Saturday, August 12th Casino Royale
Check out all of their events on their site HERE.
Feeling a bit more adventurous, look into their Polo Academy. For those who want the opportunity to play even at an amateur level and just enjoy it without having to own a dozen horses. The academy is located at Groton Place, that alone should make you want to look into it.
Kate Elfatah is the owner of HoM Consulting, a digital marketing agency that specializes in small business marketing strategies. Kate is also a producer, producing events and celebrity lounges during the Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals. Check out Kate’s podcast Eight by Kate. Email: kate@homconsulting.com
