Q&A:RIDINGHIGH

Q&A

It would be wrong to call Argentina-born, Wellingtonbased polo player Nic Roldan a rising star, as his star status is already highly evident. Despite this, the present leading American polo player—with an impressive 8-goal handicap rating—doesn’t let his success go to his head.

Born Nicolas Ezequiel Roldan, as the captain of the American Polo Team he was the youngest ever polo player to win the U.S. Polo Open with the Escue Team at the age of 15.

His home base is in the U.S. equestrian epicenter, Wellington, Florida. We recently caught up with the polo star to chat about his favorite local haunts, his charity work and all things horses.

RIDING HIGH

A Conversation With Polo Superstar Nic Roldan

BY ERICA CORSANO

You started playing professional polo at a really young age. Is that abnormal in your sport? Was it hard to be a teenager and play?

In the sport of polo, starting that young is not abnormal. In Argentina, kids are ultimately born on a horse and have a stick glued to their hand since the moment that they can walk. Likewise, polo is a very family-oriented sport and you will always see kids running about up and down the sidelines, on foot, on bike or now with e-wheelz, all the time with a small stick. I think becoming a professional at age 15 would be a little bit more abnormal but, as the sport has evolved, the new up-andcoming generation are proving to become professional younger and

with some insane talent. It wasn’t hard being a teenager and playing as it was fun, it’s what I love to do and it all came about in such a natural way.

How can you best describe what it feels like to ride a horse whilst playing?

It’s one of the best feelings in the world. To be flying down an open field, flat out with your horse is a feeling which is hard to beat. Having that relationship with your horse and the trust to take you wherever you need to go in the game, I’m always in awe of these amazing animals.

Where’s your favorite place to play polo and why?

It’s hard for me to say there is one specific place. I’ve been fortunate enough to play in some of the most unique places in the world, usually at the best time of year but definitely some of favorites would be Cowdray in the U.K., Aspen Valley Polo Club, Aspen, Colorado and Argentina.

What are some of your local picks that you recommend when friends come into town? (Restaurants, shopping, attractions?)

Le Bilboquet on Worth Avenue is a favorite of mine for food, the Royal Poinciana Plaza for both shopping (amongst my fave brands there are Cremieux and Frame) and dining; and then more low-key, I love the local rib joint in Wellington, Park Avenue.

Tell us about your work with the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County and why it’s important to you.

I’ve always had a strong love and passion for working with kids. My dear friend Neil Hirsch started the Neil S. Hirsch Boys & Girls Club in Wellington and I was honored to be able to support this, especially as Wellington is my hometown. It’s a great organization, I love spending time at the Boys and Girls club center, throwing pizza parties and showing off my dance “skills” with all the kids.

Who was/is your biggest role model?

My father.

Do you have any rituals or great advice that keeps you so grounded?

No, I don’t have any rituals. I’m a strong believer in routines, hard work and dedication as well as always being grounded and ultimately thankful for all I have, plus I think if you’re having fun you’re always going to deliver more.