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Polo Player/Philanthropist/Designer/Developer/Realtor Meet the man behind Sunset Polo White Party

Story By Penelope Cummins

I’ve been told that we live in an era of “slashes”. When one asks what someone does for a living, often one’s confronted with at least one slash. Actor/waitress being a LA staple. However, I’ve rarely met someone with such bandwidth as Top American Polo Player Nic Roldan, who I met at his barn at the cusp of the 2024 World Polo League season at Grand Champions Polo Club where the highest level of polo is played outside of Argentina, the only country in the world where the very highest level of the sport is played. Since Nic recently made an investment in 10 new horses, one cannot help, but be infected by his genuine admiration for his four legged athletes. Clearly he’s excited to play them in the upcoming season, developing his bond with each of them. I learn that there are games pretty much 5 days a week from now till mid April, after which there is a brief interlude where polo hits Miami South Beach, before returning to Wellington for the Spring Season. Roldan is keen to point out that spectators are always welcome and is constantly encouraging more people to come and experience this spectacular sport.

Having been brought up in Wellington, FL, and calling it home, he considers this an area, where he has deep roots and where from his first home onwards he’s developed a passion for renovating homes. Since then he has gone on to not just flip properties, but also build Spec Homes and a luxury contemporary 20-stall barn in the storied Grand Prix Village.

In 2021 Nic successfully passed his FL Real Estate license and created Roldan Homes, having pivoted his hobby to an additional career. In 2023 he renovated and flipped yet another of his own personal properties, together with his team flipped a 3 bedroom property and completed a 5 bedroom, 6,111 SqFt indoor/outdoor living Spec Home, which is currently on the market. All these properties are in Palm Beach Polo & Country Club. Already he has two properties in his portfolio, to be given the Roldan treatment over the summer, in order to be ready for the 2024/25 season. His properties certainly exude a unique style, making them a cut above the rest. Whilst others may shy away from being different, Roldan uses this as fuel to break new ground and create a beautiful new world in more ways than one. Away from Wellington Nic has been appointed an ambassador for Alba Palm Beach. Intimately sized, graciously appointed, and flawlessly located directly on the Intracoastal, Alba is a dramatic step forward for life on the water in South Florida. Only 55 total residences share a private piece of the coast to call their own, with more than 25,000 square feet of dedicated amenity spaces that redefine the standard of luxury.

Nic quotes “I’m excited to work with a brand that combines my love for real estate and design. I’m honored to have this ambassadorial role introducing Alba and it’s team to the sport I’m passionate about.”

Asking Nic about his annual Sunset Polo Event, he’s keen to share that it will be on the forthcoming 22nd March and preparations for the 6th Annual Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo White Party are in full swing. How did it come about? \Nic tells me that in 2016 the first edition took place and that he’s worked with a number of charities together with Grant Ganzi and Natascha Baecher. In 2022 Nic, Grant and Natascha founded Sunset Polo International, a 501C3 to support projects focused on the welfare of children, as well as educating about the sport of polo. Their primary focus is supporting programs and organizations that provide support to kids and families in need and disburse grants to organizations who are working to better the lives of children. They provide grants to organizations, including Kids Cancer Foundation, Polo Training Foundation, Dec My Room, Wind Walkers and others whose charitable purpose aligns with theirs. Nic explains that this is more than a passion project, and that all three of them are coupled with a sense www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com of responsibility to everyone who supports their event. They want to be able to control where the funds are distributed and be able to see that they were reaching the right people. Likewise few would appreciate Nic, Grant and Natascha’s hands on approach to bring this event to life each year which is a testament to their desire to make a difference.

Last year’s event included essentially an England vs USA polo game and a performance by 50 Cent no less. The concept is to raise funds, but have a good time whilst doing it, in order to create a unique event which everyone wants to attend. So don’t miss out and make sure you get your tickets before they inevitably sell out.

Soon after last year’s event, this trio could be found in Walmart in deep discussions as to which bracelet set to buy or identifying the correct Disney princess (luckily Grant has all the answers on this I’m told) prior to then going to a local hospital to decorate the room of a patient as part of Dec My Room. This organization decorates the rooms of children who are in hospital for 3 months or longer. During the summer Nic helps out at Wind Walkers, an equine therapy facility in Carbondale, Colorado. A couple of the charities they work with point out how rare it is to have a group mainly of men, being so proactive in this area. www.NicRoldan.com www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

So as far as “slashes” go, Roldan is making head way on them all and it feels, but the start. I didn’t even mention that he gives polo lessons (see his website) and is part owner in a gin! If ever you find yourself at a loose end in Wellington, don’t hesitate to go and watch a game. A truly perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Highland Oaks Stables is the perfect place, whether you are looking for a Hunter/Jumper or a Dressage star, to find your new equine partner, or have your horse’s training advanced. There are lush pastures for young horses to graze, socialize and exercise. Every prospect receives the developemental training that young horses need.

New prospects are imported from Germany several �mes each year.

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You are welcome to come for a trial with one of our sale horses for several days to engage in a repoir building experience, allowing you to fully familiarize yourself with a prospect.