From Chantilly to Wellington: A Polo Pilgrimage Between the Holidays
From Chantilly to Wellington: A Holiday Polo Journey to Remember
As the last chukkers of the Paris Games echoed across the pristine fields of the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly, our hearts were still racing from the elegance, power, and tradition we had just witnessed. But little did we know, our polo pilgrimage was only getting started. Between Christmas 2024 and New Year’s Eve 2024/2025, we packed our mallets (and a few extra pairs of sunglasses) and flew across the Atlantic to what many call the heartbeat of American polo: Wellington, Florida.
Arriving at the National Polo Center (NPC) felt like stepping into the future of the sport. Where Chantilly mesmerizes with history and classical charm, Wellington energizes with scale, innovation, and an electric sense of anticipation. Nestled in the heart of Palm Beach County, the NPC is not just a venue – it’s a universe of its own. It serves as the headquarters of the United States Polo Association (USPA) and the home of the most competitive high-goal polo in North America.
Wellington, often dubbed the "Winter Capital of Polo," becomes the epicenter of the sport from December through April, drawing international players, patrons, and polo lovers from around the globe. The town pulses with a unique rhythm: horses in the morning, tournaments in the afternoon, and elegant gatherings by sunset.
We were fortunate to visit the NPC during a quieter time, just before the official season began, giving us a chance to take in the preparations for the 2025 calendar. Fields were being trimmed to perfection, ponies conditioned to peak performance, and the energy of what was to come already buzzed through the Florida air. The upcoming season features the famed Gauntlet of Polo – a trilogy of elite tournaments including the C.V. Whitney Cup, the USPA Gold Cup, and the U.S. Open Polo Championship. These events attract the best teams and players in the world, delivering a level of competition that is simply unmatched.
Our journey to Wellington was born from a special connection we had made earlier in 2024, during our time at Chantilly. It was there, at the Paris Games, that we met members of the USPA media and communications team, who extended a warm invitation to visit their home base. From the very first handshake, we felt a kinship – a shared love for the sport and its global community.
One person who made this all possible is Stacey Kowalski, Senior Director of Communications at the USPA. Stacey didn’t just open doors – she opened the entire experience to us. With infectious energy and boundless knowledge, she walked us through the history, structure, and future vision of the USPA, and made us feel like part of the team. Her passion for the game and her professionalism behind the scenes are nothing short of inspiring. We owe Stacey a sincere thank you for her generosity, hospitality, and warmth.
We also had the joy of connecting with Javier Herrera, a true ambassador of the sport. Javier is not only a seasoned polo professional, but also one of the most positive and dedicated people you’ll ever meet in the polo world. His perspective as a player, mentor, and communications expert gave us invaluable insights into the sport's evolution in the U.S. Whether we were discussing the fine art of horse care, strategies in open play, or the logistics of major tournaments, Javier’s wisdom flowed effortlessly. We can’t thank him enough for the time, stories, and laughs he shared with us.
After all, we had the wonderful opportunity to spend a day with the amazing Arellano family, and Bella got to share some special time with Hope – both on and off the horse. Polo truly is one big family, but the incredibly warm welcome we received from the Arellanos, after first meeting them at the Paris Games, was something truly unique. Thank you so much for having us!
As polo continues to expand and evolve on a global stage, it’s visits like this that remind us how deeply rooted the sport is in community, passion, and shared tradition. The contrast between Chantilly and Wellington is beautiful: one embodies historic grandeur, the other, dynamic innovation. And yet both are bound by the same heartbeat – the sound of hooves, the swing of a mallet, the unity of a team.
We returned home with full hearts, heads buzzing with inspiration, and a camera roll packed with memories. To anyone considering a visit to Wellington and the National Polo Center: go. Go in December, go in March, go whenever you can. Just go. You’ll be met with open arms, exceptional polo, and a community that lives and breathes the sport.
Thank you again to Stacey, Javier, and everyone at the USPA who made our holiday adventure so unforgettable. We can’t wait to return. Until then, we’ll be dreaming of the USA, green fields, warm sun, and that unmistakable rhythm of the game we all love so much.
For more information on upcoming tournaments and events at the National Polo Center, visit nationalpolocenter.com.