Introducing the Out East Polo Club | Discover | Out East | Wines To Celebrate Life

Introducing
the Out East Polo Club

goals for good

We are thrilled to announce the establishment of the Out East Polo Club (“OEPC”), an invitational team and Out East brand initiative designed to partner with the beautiful sport, support its loyal, international community and raise awareness and funds for select animal welfare organizations. Through a series of matches, invitational tournaments, events and activations, the OEPC brings together a group of passionate people to celebrate this timeless sport, create and share memorable experiences and support causes that make a difference in our world.

Shop Official Merchandise
Introducing 
the Out East Polo Club | Discover | Out East | Wines To Celebrate Life
Introducing 
the Out East Polo Club | Discover | Out East | Wines To Celebrate Life

THE HISTORY OF POLO
-

Known as the Game of Kings, polo was first played in Persia from the 6th century BC and is one of the world’s oldest known team sports. The only sport to include sportsmanship as a category to rank players, polo has long been an established international sport for tastemakers and trendsetters. In the US, polo was first played in the late 1800’s. It's now played across the United States and is a staple of the seasonal event circuit in destinations like the Hamptons and Palm Beach.

The modern day version of polo is played on teams of 4 players - each having a handicap rating from 0 to 10 according to his or her ability in competition. Rating is based on horsemanship, hitting ability, knowledge of the game, quality of horses and sportsmanship. There are only a handful of active 10-goal players in the world, with the majority coming from Argentina, who possess a rich history of polo dominance. Each player uses 2 or more horses which are specially trained for docility, speed, endurance and intelligence - and often judged to account for up to 75% of a player's ability. Matches are played in 4 chukkas (or quarters) that are 7 minutes each, with the object to score goals by hitting the ball between goalposts, spread out on a field the size of 10 football fields.

THE HISTORY OF POLO
-

The Santa Barbara Polo Club circa 1960's

THE LIFESTYLE
-

Very few sports combine grace, beauty and athleticism like polo does. Add to that pristine grounds, beautiful sunny days and passionate supporters and you have the perfect mix for people to come together to celebrate in style. Out East is proud to use events to highlight its celebratory wines and share memories and experiences with friends and family. The 2019 Out East Cup was an opportunity to support the OEPC versus the New York Polo Club, playing its first ever match at Haviland Hollow Farm, a beautiful polo farm in New York’s Hudson Valley. The day brought together great friends and high quality polo for a memorable occasion.

Introducing 
the Out East Polo Club | Discover | Out East | Wines To Celebrate Life
Introducing 
the Out East Polo Club | Discover | Out East | Wines To Celebrate Life

GOALS FOR GOOD
-

Out East has long been a supporter of causes that raise awareness and funds for animal welfare. This summer, we were the lead sponsor for the Animal Rescue Fund’s annual Bow Wow Meow Ball in East Hampton. As a proud sponsor of the 10th Annual Haviland Hollow Charity Cup, Out East helped support the Pegasus Foundation and their therapeutic riding and veterans program. Pegasus instructors, physical therapists, occupational therapists and licensed educators provide equine-assisted activities to people with special needs and individuals at risk, including disadvantaged youth, trauma survivors and adults with developmental disabilities.

In 2020, the OEPC is working on a number of initiatives to continue to raise awareness and funds for equine welfare and animal welfare more broadly.

GOALS FOR GOOD
-

THE TEAM
-

The OEPC is an invitational team, featuring both professional and amateur players. This past summer the team was captained by Tommy Biddle, a highly decorated American polo player. An 8-goal handicap player, Tommy has won several major tournaments in the sport including the U.S. Open Polo Championship and serves as a wonderful ambassador and mentor for the sport. Other players included Marina Wambold, John Humphreys & Wes Bryan. The OEPC will compete in invitational tournaments around the US during the 2019 / 2020 season and beyond.

THE TEAM
-
Polo has always been a great way to bring people together. I’m looking forward to being part of the Out East Polo Club and helping to grow awareness for a wonderful sport and support for causes I’m passionate about.
Tommy Biddle, PROFESSIONAL POLO PLAYER

Video - Kilo Content | Photography - Nick Mele Photography


Related Articles

Wine, Travel & Friendship: 
The Story of Out East Hermitage

Wine, Travel & Friendship: The Story of Out East Hermitage

Out East co-founder Patrick Mitchell details his adventures in France and the serendipitous creation of Out East Hermitage, the first-ever Hermitage appellation wine to be released by an American wine company.

Read more
Design By Destination

Design By Destination

Design by Destination is a pioneering digital event series that brings together industry leaders to discuss how travel has inspired them to be creative and influential in their careers and lives.

Read more