Rain has not been on our side this Summer in New York, but our crew was lucky enough to get beautiful weather on our trip out to the Meadow Brook Polo Club & Academy in Old Westbury. Just a gallop away from Manhattan on the Long Island Railroad, we were transported to the ultimate summer social scene.
Meadow Brook Polo Club is a revered name in polo and equestrian sports, set against lush grounds in Long Island. As one of the first polo clubs in America, the rich heritage and illustrious history make it a special place to witness the traditional sport in action. Founded in 1881, the club was an inception point for polo and embodies the American sport, bearing witness to historic matches with venues in Old Westbury, Bethpage, and Caumsett State Park. Founded in 1881, this club was the inception point for American polo.
What’s special about this club was the approachability yet exclusivity along with the sheer passion that radiated from the players, owners, and spectators. While prestigious, we still felt at home and welcomed when settling into the VIP tent at the venue. There was an air of camaraderie and excitement pulsating as we witnessed the athletic prowess of both the horses and their riders. Throughout the matches, guests mingled, listened to the DJ spin music, sipped beverages, and watched the sheer brilliance of the game unfold on the field. Of course, there was the iconic divot stomp, where spectators approach the field to mingle and replace the mounds of dirt torn up by the horses’ hooves. This tradition is perfect for pictures and to get a taste of what it’s like in center field. You needn’t be a polo enthusiast to be transfixed during an afternoon at Meadow Brook.
Adding to the day’s spectacle is the owner’s property named The K Estate at Groton Place. This remarkable 108-acre Georgian-style mansion estate is a short drive from the club and is known for grand events, films, and television productions. This is also the site of the event’s Apres Polo Party perfect for anyone wanting to have their own Gatsby Era moment. Not only is this 1930s-old world estate an ideal location for incredible events, but it is also home to 96 horses, a training center, 17 stables, stunning cottages, a luxe pool, and a grand house. Here we were lucky enough to mingle with many of the players and their families, dine on an Argentinian feast (many of the players being Argentinian), and take in the evening as the sun set around us. The mesmerizing dining experience was brought to life by visionary Jennifer Oz LeRoy and Maxwell’s Plum.
Meadow Brook is under new ownership by two lovely gentlemen and business partners Chetan Krishna and Dennis. While the prestigious lineage of players is what makes the business flourish, they are passionate about inspiring future polo enthusiasts by offering an academy for anyone looking to learn the sport. There is even a twist to the game called Roda Polo — first created in Argentina – where you participate in the sport atop an E-Wheel.
A truly immersive experience, the club has curated a captivating lineup of matches and events every Saturday now through September 23rd. Each weekend has a theme such as Great Gatsby, Parisian Picnic, Mad Hatter Tea Party, Roaring Twenties, Casino Royale, Vintage Picnic, and Nautical Affair.