Sports Psychology Consultant Mario Soto Works With Top Wellington Equestrians

By Sydney Durieux

For the past 17 years, leading sports psychology consultant Mario Soto has been helping top riders and trainers — many based in Wellington — reach their goals, both in the show ring and in life.

Soto, a professor of sport psychology and performance at California Baptist University, works with elite athletes and coaches in a variety of sports, from baseball and martial arts to water polo. But it is the equestrian world, especially in Wellington, that has turned to Soto to help maximize performance and give them a winning edge. These include top trainers and riders like Missy Clark, Steven Bluman, Tanner Korotkin, Maggie Jacobs, Matt Cyphert, Ali Sweetnam, Sam Walker, and Jimmy and Danielle Torano, to name a few.

Embracing Sports Psychology Consulting (SPC), which is designed to assist athletes to become better in their sport, takes a leap of faith, but Soto’s equestrian clients leap over fences, sometimes as high as 1.60 meters, regularly!

It was an unlikely beginning for someone with little experience in the saddle.

“I received a call from someone who had a few bad falls while riding. We met for lunch at a horse show, and a gentleman overheard us and came to introduce himself,” Soto recalled. “His name was Robert Ridland, who I later learned was the chef d’equipe for the U.S. show jumping team. He said he had someone he wanted me to meet. It was Olympic gold medalist Will Simpson. Will was my first equestrian client, and he was literally at the top of the sport. But he knew that he wanted to stay there. Athletes don’t have to have ‘issues’ to seek out a performance coach; they just need to want to continue to grow and get better.”

Bluman, a Grand Prix rider and trainer, recently started working with Soto.

“For someone to truly help equestrian athletes with their mindset, they need to understand our world from the inside,” explained Bluman, who is part of the family business at Bluman Equestrian in Wellington. “What stood out to me is that Mario has invested real time, effort and resources into learning the sport — our culture, our pressures and how our environment operates. Mario creates an environment where conversations feel natural, open and honest. That has allowed us to get into topics that are normally difficult to talk about, even this early in the process. I can already see how this openness will be beneficial as we continue working together.”

Mary Rose Canterbury, who trains at Bluman Equestrian, has been working with Soto for two years.

“I struggled with concentration and confidence, but working with Mario, I noticed almost immediately a change. A lot of times, one bad jump would cause me to lose focus, and my round would fall apart,” the 19-year-old amateur rider said. “The first time I jumped a 1.50-meter class, he was there. He helped me act like no one was watching, as if it was a regular class. This is such a mentally challenging sport, and Mario, who is patient, kind and understanding, helps so much with it.”

Every year, Clark, the owner and head trainer at North Run, and her husband and partner John Brennan, produce top riders who regularly take home blue ribbons at Wellington International. One of Clark and Brennan’s “tools” for success in the saddle is Soto, who works with many of North Run’s clients.

“I’ve always believed that working with a sports psychologist can give any athlete an advantage,” Clark explained. “Mario has been such a good fit for our riders, and we’re very grateful to have him as an important member of our North Run team. He has assisted in many ways, most notably by helping our riders to learn how to tune into their abilities to improve their focus and concentration, as well as how to handle pressure, mistakes and expectations. By sharing his insights with our riders, he has given them valuable tools to build confidence and maintain a strong mental focus when competing.

One of North Run’s clients who is excelling is 15-year-old JJ Torano, whose parents Jimmy and Danielle Torano own JET Show Stable in Wellington. The teen started working with Soto a year and a half ago and has been racking up prestigious wins in the equitation, hunters and jumpers.

“When I work with young riders, it is important to have the parents involved,” Soto explained. “Many top junior riders come from equestrian families, like JJ, whose parents are both winning Grand Prix riders and elite athletes themselves. They have a real understanding of the pressures of the sport, both physically and mentally, and know what it takes to keep moving forward. My goal is simple really, to always give the athlete — no matter their age or level — the tools they need to succeed, without getting in their own way.”

To learn more about Mario Soto and Sports Psychology Consulting, visit www.mariosoto.com.

JustWorld Gala Will Honor Angela Covert For Her Lifechanging Work

When Angela Covert first heard about JustWorld International in 2003, she was a young professional rider, balancing teaching, training and competing. Like many equestrians, she felt the pull to give back but couldn’t find the time. JustWorld offered a unique opportunity.

“I loved the idea of being able to do what I was already doing — traveling, competing, coaching — and, at the same time, give something meaningful to kids who needed it most,” Covert recalled. “[Founder] Jessica [Newman]’s vision from the start was different. She brought the equestrian community together in a way no one else had, giving us the chance to use our sport and our connections to make a real impact.”

Covert has been part of the JustWorld family ever since, working to help fracture the cycle of poverty. She was selected as one of this year’s Gala Honorees and will be recognized at the event on Jan. 22 at Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington. Other honorees include Wellington residents Kevin Babington, Laura Kraut and Juan Andres Rodriguez, as well as Herve Godignon, Eric Navet and Francie Steinwedell-Carvin.

JustWorld funds schools in Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, and a literacy project in Belle Glade, Florida. Covert’s first trip to Honduras with JustWorld, more than 20 years ago, was life changing.

She recalled seeing children scavenging scrap metal at a garbage dump to support their families instead of going to school. “It was overwhelming to see the reality these children lived in and to realize how far our support could go,” she said.

In Guatemala, she helped launch JustWorld’s first medical clinic. “Simple things like antibiotics or dressings could literally save lives,” Covert said. “We take those for granted.”

These experiences cemented her commitment.

“Until that first trip, I felt good about donating and being involved. But seeing it firsthand — seeing how our dollars translated into real change — was completely different. It opened my eyes,” Covert said. “What I’ve always told people is: If you ever wonder where the money is going, just go on a trip. It’s one thing to know you’re helping; it’s another to stand there, meet the kids, and see the impact with your own eyes. That experience changes you.”

Covert, who lives in Wellington with her husband, international course designer Guilherme Jorge, and their nine-year-old son Lucas, said that 22 years of work with JustWorld has given her a new perspective.

“As a 20-something, I was obsessed with my riding career and stuck in the bubble of the equestrian world,” she said. “JustWorld pulled me out of that bubble. It reminded me there’s a whole other world out there and that we can use our privilege to make it better.”

She’s excited and honored to be recognized at this year’s gala.

“I’m proud of everything that JustWorld has accomplished and proud to have been part of it since the beginning,” Covert said. “This recognition feels like the icing on the cake.”

To join JustWorld International at the Jan. 22 gala in Wellington, visit www.justworldinternational.org/gala.

Polito Pieres Brings His Star Power Back To Wellington This Season

Story By Mike May | Photos Courtesy USPA

American-born Argentine polo star Pablo “Polito” Pieres has always led a horse-centric lifestyle.

“I started riding horses when I was five or six, and I have been playing professional polo since I was 18, starting in 1997,” Pieres recalled. “I have been coming to Wellington every year since 2010.”

Pieres, currently ranked eighth in the World Polo Tour rankings, is like a first-class Argentine wine in that he only gets better with age.

His first year with a polo’s rare 10-goal handicap was 2015.

“I have been at a 9- or 10-goal handicap ever since,” said Pieres, currently listed as a 9-goaler in England and Argentina.

Pieres has had a constant presence on Wellington’s polo scene ever since his first arrival in the community.

Just last year, Pieres had an impressive series of polo performances in Wellington. In early 2025, Pieres, part of the well-known Pieres polo-playing family, was a member of Gillian Johnson’s Coca-Cola team, which made it to the U.S. Open semifinal, the USPA Gold Cup final and C.V. Whitney Cup final.

For some polo players, that would have been a career-defining season, but for Pieres, it’s just a sign that he remains one of the best players in the world and will be a force to be reckoned with on Wellington’s polo fields in 2026.

Needless to say, he is expected to have another stellar polo season this winter here in Wellington. Time will tell, but don’t bet against him.

Pieres’ background is interesting and not conventional, in that he has all the markings of a top Argentine player, but he is currently listed as the world’s top American player. While he grew up and trained in Argentina — where so many of the world’s great polo players are raised, trained, guided and taught — Pieres was born in the United States, specifically in the State of New York.

Like many great athletes, he was introduced to polo by his father, Paul Pieres. His cousins Facundo Pieres (currently ranked No. 5), Gonzalo Pieres Jr. (currently ranked No. 17) and Nicolas Pieres (currently ranked No. 29) also play in Wellington and at top polo events around the world.

Over time, Polito Pieres has played on winning teams in the British Open and the Queens Cup in the U.K., the Deauville Gold Cup in France, the Argentine Open, and the C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup here in Wellington. In the few top polo events where he has not lifted the trophy, he has certainly made it as far as the final rounds.

Pieres played with Santa Rita Polo Farm in the 2022 Gauntlet of Polo and found success in 2020 with La Indiana in the USPA Gold Cup. More recently, Pieres triumphed in the 2022 Tortugas Open, and the 2021 Argentine Open, Hurlingham Open and Queen’s Cup. He also had a great season in 2024, winning the Tortugas Open, East Coast Open and the Queen’s Cup, and making it to the semifinals in the Argentine Open, Hurlingham Open, British Open, the USPA Gold Cup and the U.S. Open.

Pieres’ global travel and competition schedule keeps him on the move.

“From January to April, I’m in Wellington playing polo,” Pieres said. “After that, I return to Argentina for about two weeks. Then I go to London, where I compete in the Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup during the summer. In August, I go to France and Spain for a few weeks. Then I usually travel to Malaysia for a short visit, where I have become good friends with the Crown Prince of Johor and his wife. They have around 200 horses, and we all play polo. I travel there about four times a year.”

When he’s not playing polo, Pieres likes to relax and unwind by going to the gym or playing golf. “I like to do things that have no risk of injury and are fun to do,” he said.

As he reflects on his career in the world of competitive polo, one of the experiences that truly helped shape his career was a two-month stint in Canada when he was a young teenager.

“When I was 14, I visited Canada to learn how to be a [horse] groomer. I admit that I was a lazy groomer,” Pieres recalled. “By taking care of horses and not being able to ride them, it gave me the hunger, energy and desire to ride the horses and play polo.”

To see a true master at his craft, keep an eye on Pieres during this year’s polo season as he works to win on the field in his horse-centric lifestyle in Wellington.

Museum Of Polo To Celebrate New Hall Of Fame Inductees

By Y.A. Teitelbaum

The board of directors of the Museum of Polo has announced the 2026 inductees into the museum’s Polo Hall of Fame. The honorees are White Birch patron Peter Brant; arena polo star Billy Stevens; entrepreneur, philanthropist, club owner and high-goal polo patron Melissa Ganzi; early pioneer Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe; equine advocate Clint Nangle; and legendary horses Citroen and Longpocket.

In addition, Joe Casey Sr. will receive his 2025 Iglehart Award. He was unable to attend last year because of an illness.

For the first time, the annual scholastic and collegiate awards presented by the Polo Training Foundation will also be held during the Hall of Fame ceremony. The PTF is dedicated to teaching youth confidence, discipline and leadership through the sport of polo.

The 37th Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner is one of the premier social events of the winter polo season. It is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of Polo, located at 9011 Lake Worth Road.

Peter Brant — Brant developed the powerhouse White Birch team and organization that dominated high-goal polo in the United States for about 25 years, beginning in 1979. This spurred other teams to build and maintain a professional organization.

Brant’s teams won 31 tournaments rated at 26 goals or more, including a record 12 USPA Gold Cup titles and five World Cup crowns. White Birch also won the International Open seven times, the C.V. Whitney five times and the Monty Waterbury five times. Its dominance included winning the U.S. Open in 2005.

Individually, Brant achieved a 7-goal handicap, becoming one of the highest-rated amateur players in modern history and is second with 11 career USPA Gold Cup tournament titles. Off the field, he co-founded the Greenwich Polo Club and revived the sport at both the Saratoga and Bridgehampton clubs.

Billy Stevens — Midwesterner Billy Stevens held an 8-goal arena handicap for 13 years and played competitively for 60 years until retiring in 2004. His numerous titles ranged from 6-goal to 20-goal and included the U.S. Open Arena Championship in 1980 and 1981, the 14-goal Continental Cup in 1975 and 1976, the 20-goal North American Cup in 1976, and the National 12-goal Arena in 1959.

Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe — Poe, a trailblazing pioneer who unofficially became the first woman player to obtain a handicap rating with the USPA in 1925, will be the posthumous Hall of Fame inductee.

Early in her career, the five-foot-tall Poe played both on the grass and in the arena regularly and proved to be a formidable opponent to her male counterparts. She dared to register with the USPA under the initials P.E. Ireland and received a handicap. However, after it was discovered that she was a woman, she was booted from the association. That didn’t deter Poe, as she continued to play polo and helped pioneer the United States Women’s Polo Association.

Poe was also an accomplished hunter/jumper rider, fox hunter and expert Thoroughbred racehorse breeder. Poe inherited her family’s home, Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville, Georgia, and it became a museum after her death in 1978. On the second floor is the Elisabeth Ireland Poe Gallery, where her collection of American and British sporting art is exhibited.

Melissa Ganzi — The Iglehart Award recipient for contributions to the sport is Melissa Ganzi, an innovative pioneer whose generosity and enthusiasm for philanthropy is legendary. She is the owner of the Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm, both in Wellington, and the Aspen Valley Polo Club, and she co-founded the 26-goal World Polo League.

Ganzi has passionately elevated the profile of women athletes, making it a priority to give them numerous opportunities to play and learn through the Polo School Women’s Weekly Polo League.

She established the SunnyShip scholarship to honor the legacy of Hall of Famer Sunny Hale, generally acknowledged as the greatest women’s polo player of all time. Ganzi has also been instrumental in raising money for the Work to Ride program and annually hosts several charity events at Grand Champions and Aspen Valley.

Ganzi has generously given of her time and expertise as the longtime chair of the Polo Training Foundation and is currently the president of the Museum of Polo.

As a player, Ganzi achieved many historical firsts since getting a polo pony from her father-in-law for her birthday in 2000. A year later, she became the first woman to win the prestigious Monty Waterbury Cup.

Another significant first include Ganzi and her daughter, Riley, as the first mother and daughter to play in the same U.S. Open in 2022. Ganzi is also very involved in bringing teams to snow polo tournaments around the world.

Joe Casey — 2025 Iglehart Award inductee Joe Casey set the pace as one of the first large-scale professional managers of the sport. While working in Tulsa for John T. Oxley in the 1960s, he managed horses for a high-goal team as well as the breeding operation and played on Oxley’s teams. He also was one of the first to go to Argentina to find additional horses for American high-goal polo. Many young players benefited from his knowledge and instruction.

On the field, Casey won the British Gold Cup with Oxley’s Boca Raton in 1970. Other top highlights include winning the 1966 12-goal with Tulsa and capturing the Bronze Trophy and Inter-Circuit in 1981, also with Tulsa.

Clint Nangle— Nangle is being honored as the posthumous Iglehart Award recipient. He will be remembered as a caring, kind, dignified champion of the sport. Clint, a natural-born lefty who started in polo at Myopia in 1962, was always positive and passionate about doing what was good for the betterment of polo, complemented by prioritizing good sportsmanship.

Nangle spent more than 20 years as a USPA governor, 10 of those as the first elected circuit governor of the Florida/Caribbean Circuit, which led to explosive growth and leadership of the circuit. He also spent 10 years as a governor-at-large and was the Club Polo Committee chair and a member of nine other USPA committees and three special committees.

Nangle was also the founder and chair of the USPA Equine Welfare Committee, which spotlighted awareness on horses and implemented important policies on behalf of polo’s four-legged athletes for more than 20 years. Other accolades include winning the Hugo Dalmar Trophy for Sportsmanship in 2013 and National Equine Welfare Award in 2014. Nangle was also dedicated to the Museum of Polo and served on the board from 1997 until 2015.

Horses to Remember — The Horses to Remember honoree of the early pre-Hartman era is Citroen, the Argentine-bred chestnut gelding purchased by Robert Lehman. Citroen won numerous major awards, including the 1928 Susan Townley Cup in Argentina. Citroen was also judged best polo pony in the 1930 and 1931 National Polo Pony Society Show, a rare feat for a gelding. Citroen was played by Hall of Famer Eric Pedley en route to victory in the 1930 Westchester Cup.

Billy Mulcahy’s raw-boned and wiry Australian Thoroughbred Longpocket will be recognized as Horses to Remember for the post-Hartman Award era. Numerous high-goalers, including Memo Gracida, Esteban Panelo, Piki Alberdi, Juni Crotto and Mike Azzaro, played Longpocket. In the 80-goal match in California in 1990, Longpocket played three out of seven chukkers. Longpocket was sturdy and rock-steady, with a big chest carrying a huge heart.

The black-tie Hall of Fame Awards Dinner is the most important annual fundraising event for the museum, an independently run, not-for-profit organization. Tickets are $350 per person and $3,500 for a table of 10. Call (561) 969-3210 or (561) 969-7015, or e-mail info@polomuseum.org, to make your reservations.

Legends Of Polo Event Continues The Far-Reaching Legacy Of Carlos Gracida

By Candace Ferreira

Under crisp skies and the hum of anticipation, team Gracida I delivered a performance that was as much about heart as it was about skill, capturing the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington — a venue where tradition, family history and competitive excellence intersect.

The team of Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Mariano “Nano” Gracida and Carlos Gracida Jr. moved with the effortless precision of a unit bound not only by talent but by legacy. Their intuitive chemistry and composed execution propelled them to a 4-2 victory over a determined team Gracida II lineup featuring Juancito Bollini, Joseph Schwartz, Gaston Dorignac and Santos Bollini.

From the first throw-in, the match unfolded with the kind of intensity that Grand Champions is known for hosting. Gracida I set the early tempo, orchestrating clean, coordinated plays and intelligent ball movement. Their defensive line was equally sharp — organized, disciplined and unyielding. Every drive down the field reflected a unified front, a team reading the field and each other with instinctive clarity. The connection between the players, strengthened by both family ties and years of playing together, added a depth to their performance that allowed them to stay composed even as Gracida II ramped up the pressure.

One of the afternoon’s brightest highlights came from Oli Janet, an 11-year-old chestnut Argentine mare ridden by Marc Ganzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm. Her agility, sensitivity and brilliance under pressure were unmistakable, earning Best Playing Pony honors. Every stride showed the harmony between horse and rider — each turn and burst of acceleration executed with a confidence and fluidity that define elite polo partnerships. Oli Janet’s recognition was a reminder of the essential bond at the heart of the sport that often becomes the difference-maker in matches played at the highest level.

Beyond the competition itself, the day held a deeper emotional resonance. The Legends of Polo match is more than a seasonal highlight; it is a tribute to the incomparable Carlos Gracida, whose influence continues to shape the sport at every level. At Grand Champions — a venue where he played, coached and inspired countless players — his presence is still woven into the very fabric of the grounds. The match served as a living celebration of his legacy, and a testament to the enduring impact he made on polo and the many athletes who continue to honor him with every ride onto the field.

Carlos Gracida, born in Mexico in 1960, is remembered as one of the greatest polo players of the modern era. Rising to the elite 10-goal handicap, he dominated the sport’s most prestigious tournaments multiple times, including the Argentine Open, British Open and U.S. Open. His brilliance extended well beyond his competitive record.

Gracida was beloved for his humility, discipline and quiet grace. He inspired generations of players, from aspiring juniors to global royalty, offering guidance with a rare combination of gentleness, generosity and strategic genius. His influence reshaped the landscape of international polo and elevated the standards of the sport.

Gracida’s tragic passing in 2014 was a devastating loss, yet his legacy continues to reverberate powerfully. It lives on in the players he mentored, the families he touched and events like the Gracida Memorial match, which keeps his spirit vibrant and present.

For Gracida I, the win was more than a tally on the scoreboard, it was a tribute in motion. Every goal, every play and every moment on the field became part of a larger story: a story of legacy, family, passion and the timeless presence of a champion whose spirit still echoes across the fields of the Grand Champions Polo Club.

Equestrian Legends Celebrity Polo Match Will Benefit Buoniconti Fund Jan. 24

On Saturday, Jan. 24, the National Polo Center in Wellington will once again host one of the most anticipated philanthropic events of the season, the fourth annual Equestrian Legends Celebrity Polo Match & Gala benefiting the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. This extraordinary gathering brings together the worlds of equestrian sport, celebrity and charitable giving for a day that promises excitement, inspiration and meaningful impact.

The event is more than just a polo match; it’s a celebration of hope and progress in the fight to cure paralysis and other neurological conditions. Guests will be treated to world-class equestrian demonstrations, including polo, show jumping and dressage performed by Olympic and world champions, showcasing the athleticism and artistry that define these disciplines. The centerpiece of the day is the thrilling celebrity polo match, where renowned athletes and personalities compete in a spirited display of skill and camaraderie.

Adding star power and heartfelt advocacy, polo legend Nacho Figueras and international philanthropist Delfina Blaquier return as honorary chairs. Their commitment to the Buoniconti Fund’s mission has inspired the global equestrian community to rally behind groundbreaking research at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The event’s success is made possible by the dedicated determination of event chairs and Buoniconti Fund board members Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, and philanthropists Victoria Ranger Nunez and Diana Morrison.

The festivities will begin with a lively cocktail reception on the terrace, where guests will mingle and enjoy specialty Penfolds wine. The evening continues with an exquisite gala dinner, followed by both live and silent auctions, sponsored by philanthropist and Buoniconti Fund Board Member Christine E. Lynn, featuring one-of-a-kind experiences and luxury items. Auction highlights include a VIP experience at the 41st anniversary Great Sports Legends Dinner in New York City, a foursome at the Buoniconti Fund’s Celebrity Golf Invitational with golf legend Jack Nicklaus, a Penfolds Grange experience in the Napa Valley and a stunning 14-karat white gold natural diamond Riviera necklace.

A special moment of the night will be the presentation of the Buoniconti Fund Award to Victoria Ranger Nunez and Diana Morrison, honoring their commitment to advancing research and support for those affected by paralysis and other neurological conditions. The equestrian show will be announced by Cody Offen, with a roster of renowned polo players and athletes set to compete and perform, ensuring that the event is both entertaining and inspiring.

Fashion will also take center stage, thanks to fashion sponsor Valentino, whose presence adds a touch of glamour to the proceedings. As the evening unfolds, guests will enjoy entertainment, dancing and dessert under the stars on the patio, creating memories that last long after the night is over.

The fourth annual Equestrian Legends Celebrity Polo Match & Gala is not only a highlight of Wellington’s social calendar but also a powerful force for good. By supporting the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, attendees help drive innovative research and provide hope to millions worldwide. Join in for a day of sport, generosity and inspiration, riding together toward a future with cures for the nervous system.

For tickets and more information, visit www.thebuonicontifund.com/polo26.

New Facility Partner Tops Changes At NPC As 2026 Season Gets Underway

The 2026 high-goal polo season is now underway at the National Polo Center-Wellington, and changes are now in place to upgrade facility management and hospitality services at the iconic venue.

The international firm ISS and the United States Polo Association recently entered into a multi-year partnership for integrated facility management and hospitality services at NPC. ISS North America will provide facility management, cleaning, and food and beverage services, and also manage club operations.

The National Polo Center, the epicenter for polo in the United States, is a multi-dimensional property featuring six championship fields, two restaurants and the Pavilion event space. NPC is also home to the Polo Club, a membership organization for polo enthusiasts. The USPA will continue to internally manage security, grounds, stables and polo operations.

“The National Polo Center is an iconic destination that offers unrivaled experiences for players, teams, guests, club members and the entire polo community. In partnering with ISS, we ensure that the property continues to operate as a world-class facility and sets a next-level standard for hospitality in sports venues throughout the United States,” USPA Chair Stewart Armstrong said.

Guckenheimer, ISS North America’s culinary service brand and a premier provider of dining and catering experiences in commercial facilities, will assume responsibility for dining and related services at NPC. Known for its commitment to nutritious, chef-crafted food, sustainability and welcoming, inclusive environments, Guckenheimer will enhance and update the menus and guest experience in the 7th Chukker and Mallet Grille restaurants, at catered and special events, and in match spaces.

Leading the ISS team is Xavier Roca, the new general manager and a 25-year veteran of the hospitality and food and beverage industries, including management positions at Delta Airlines and the Ritz-Carlton. Rene van Camp, chief hospitality officer, will also play an ongoing role as ISS and Guckenheimer inject a new level of hospitality at NPC.

“World-class event spaces require world-class facilities partners to support them. We are excited to be the exclusive integrated facilities management partner of the renowned United States Polo Association at the National Polo Center,” ISS CEO & President/Americas Steven Quick said. “Our focus on hospitality as the driver behind everything we do ensures that guests, members, teams, players and employees have memorable experiences from the moment they step onto the property to the time they leave.”

ISS North America provides facility management and hospitality-focused programs to organizations in entertainment venues, sports facilities, offices, airports and other commercial locations across the globe.

NPC’s 2026 season got underway in late December and continues in January with the Heritage Cup (Dec. 30 – Jan. 4), the Joe Barry Memorial (Jan. 6-25) and the Ylvisaker Cup (Jan. 23 – Feb. 22). Also in focus during the month of January is women’s polo with the Florida Circuit Women’s Challenge (Jan. 5-16) and the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship (Jan. 25 – Feb. 15).

The centerpiece of the NPC season, the iconic Gauntlet of Polo, unfolds as a three-part series, beginning Feb. 11 through March 1 with the prestigious C.V. Whitney Cup. The battle continues with the fiercely contested USPA Gold Cup from March 4-29, and culminates in the sport’s pinnacle event, the U.S. Open Polo Championship, running April 1-26.

NPC is the perpetual home for polo in America, owned and managed by the United States Polo Association to showcase the finest the sport has to offer.

The National Polo Center-Wellington is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. Call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.nationalpolocenter.com for more information.

Equestrian Aid Foundation Celebrating 30 Years Of Helping People In Need

By Patrick Sherry

WELLINGTON | PHILANTHROPY

This issue, Wellington The Magazine is kicking off- a new series dedicated to everything philanthropic, called Wellington Philanthropy. This new set of feature articles throughout 2026 will celebrate the heart of our community: the nonprofit organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to make Wellington a stronger, more compassionate place to live.

Behind every thriving community is a network of people giving their time, talent and resources to support neighbors, protect the environment, uplift youth, focus on important initiatives and care for those in need. This series exists to shine a light on that often-unseen work.

Through Wellington Philanthropy, we will feature prominent local nonprofits and charitable leaders, sharing their missions, stories and the impact they make every day. Our goal is not only to recognize their achievements, but also to help amplify their voices, connect them with new supporters and inspire community involvement. By highlighting their successes and challenges, we hope to foster deeper understanding and collaboration across Wellington.

This series is our way of thanking local philanthropists, while also encouraging all of us to engage more meaningfully with the causes that shape our community. When we celebrate those who give back, we strengthen the bonds that make Wellington thrive.

We intend to wrap up this series with a “Hearts On” event in partnership with the Wellington Community Foundation and the Village of Wellington, where we will be presenting nonprofit organizations with the Wellington Exceptional Giving Award. Stay tuned to learn how your organization can become involved.

For three decades, the Wellington-based Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) has been helping people in the equestrian community through assistance funding. As it approaches its 30th anniversary, the nonprofit is looking to continue and expand its charitable ventures for years to come.

The foundation specializes in supporting people in the equestrian community who are experiencing financial hardships from illness, injury or natural disasters. It supports anyone in the equestrian profession, from riders and grooms to farriers and vet techs, whose livelihoods depend on horses.

Through the years, the EAF has regularly expanded its mission to help as many people as it could in their time of need. These efforts have provided millions of dollars in financial support to people nationwide, including many in Wellington’s tight-knit equestrian community.

“There isn’t another one like us,” said Robert Ross, founding member and team leader of the organization. “We were one of the original charitable organizations in Wellington.”

The EAF was founded in 1996 and initially named the Equestrian AIDS Foundation. At that time, the nation was in the midst of the deadly AIDS epidemic. That year, medical breakthroughs became widely available to treat HIV and AIDS by slowing disease progression and keeping the immune system functioning.

To help support those in the equestrian community impacted by the disease, a group of friends started a foundation to give financial assistance in any way they could.

1. Scot Evans, one of the founding board members and former EAF president, explained that during this time, many equestrians were living with AIDS.

“What we were looking to do is to assist them in their time of need — whether it was just to take care of a bill here or there, or try to ease a little bit of the burden… to see if we can get them back on their feet,” Evans recalled.

After 10 years of continuous work in AIDS support, leaders of the foundation wanted to expand its charitable activities. After consulting with public relations agencies, they decided to change the nonprofit’s name to the Equestrian Aid Foundation to better represent the goal to broaden its original mission.

The name change brought an increased focus on helping give grant-based support to anyone in the equestrian field experiencing illness or injury.

“What we found is that there was so much more need in general within the equestrian community about other diseases, accidents and injuries,” Evans said. “[It’s] a high-risk sport… it’s a high-risk environment that we live in each and every day.”

The organization prides itself on helping fellow equestrians in their time of need. Its grant-based support helps cover expenditures such as medical bills, living expenses or basic costs when recipients may struggle to support themselves and their families. The EAF web site has several profiles of grant recipients. From assisting those undergoing cancer treatments, traumatic brain injuries and life-threatening medical conditions, the EAF’s grant support has been able to provide a financial lifeline to many.

As their work continued into the 2010s, members of the foundation decided to once again expand the mission to help more people. In 2018, the EAF opened a disaster relief fund to help equestrian communities across the country impacted by natural disasters. Most recently, its team members have provided funding and support to those impacted by wildfires in California and victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton.

These efforts have led to 2025 being one of its most prolific years in providing financial support and grants awarded to equestrians.

“The disaster relief fund has absolutely taken the front seat with what we do,” Evans said. “I think that’s a sign of the times today… We’re always looking at how we can be better, how we can help more people, and how we can expand our mission.”

Over its long charitable career, the foundation’s team has been able to give out more than $4 million in aid to equestrians all around the nation. The foundation’s team credits these funds to their many private donors and various fundraising campaigns. Not only that, but they also participate in other charitable activities. Most recently, members of the foundation held its annual Toy Drive and Wrapping Party, which donates gifts to children for the holidays.

Founding members like Ross explain that events like these are some of their favorites, and he loves how those at the foundation are always willing to help and contribute toward a cause.

“We want to make sure the most money we raise goes to the most amount of people,” Ross said. “That’s my favorite part about it; I know that we’re making a difference in people’s lives.”

One of their biggest campaigns is their annual Strides for Hope 5K walk and run, which will be held this year on Monday, Feb. 16 at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road, Wellington). The foundation is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary at that time as well.

To commemorate the event, they will be officially launching a new endowment fund, with all the proceeds from the 5K going toward it. Founding members hope the establishment of the fund will support the organization’s charitable activities for many years.

“We want the next 30 years to be strong, as far as the support that the Equestrian Aid Foundation can provide,” Evans said.

Organizers’ goals for all of these charity events are to bring people together while raising money for a good cause. Team members encourage anyone who wants to get involved to volunteer because they are always looking for help.

“The way to fundraise is to bring families together, and most importantly, to think about the future of the organization,” Evans said. “We’ve always made sure we were open to anyone and anybody at any time.”

To learn more about the Equestrian Aid Foundation, donate to the organization, or sign up for the upcoming 2026 Strides for Hope 5K on Feb. 16, visit www.equestrianaidfoundation.org.

Wellington Today: A LOOK AT WHERE WE STAND AT THE START OF 2026

According to Village Manager Jim Barnes, Wellington’s progress does not occur by accident. It happens because of people: the engineers who design better drainage; the public works staff who maintain fields and trails; the volunteers who pack holiday meals; elected officials who wrestle with complex choices; and residents who care enough to show up.

As we step into a new year, it feels fitting to pause and take stock not only of projects completed and budgets adopted, but of the quieter measures of community health: the relationships that bind us, the volunteers who show up, and the steady public servants who keep Wellington safe, clean and welcoming. After 30 years as a village, and 22 years as a member of Team Wellington, I remain struck by how our progress is always the product of partnership: residents, businesses, nonprofits, elected leaders and staff working together toward a shared future.

Here is an honest, hopeful view of where we stand today, what we’ve accomplished, what we’re investing in, and what matters most as we plan for the coming years.

Fiscal Strength with a Purpose — Sound stewardship of public dollars isn’t an end in itself; it’s how we preserve options for the future. For fiscal year 2026, the village adopted a total proposed budget of roughly $156 million, an increase driven largely by major utility capital projects that will bolster our water reliability for years to come.

These investments reflect a deliberate choice: preserve service levels, invest in infrastructure and plan for resilience while protecting taxpayers’ interests. You can review the adopted budget and its line items in detail. Our budget documents remain intentionally transparent so residents can see how priorities — parks, drainage, public safety and utilities — are resourced and scheduled.

Investments in Infrastructure — This past year, we advanced significant capital work across roadways, drainage, utilities and recreation. Those projects are not flashy; they are foundational. Upgrading pipes, expanding treatment capacity, repairing critical road segments and improving intersections are the kind of work that keeps our neighborhoods functioning and our community moving. Our interactive capital improvements map continues to provide residents real-time visibility into these projects: where they are, what stage they’re in and how they’re being funded. That transparency helps residents see the value of long-range planning in action.

A related win we’re especially proud of is recognition for operational excellence in our water utility. The village’s Water Treatment Facility earned an Operations Excellence Award in the “Large Community Plant” category, a public acknowledgement of our utility staff’s technical skill and dedication to delivering safe, reliable water every day. That award is not about trophies; it’s about trust — trust that the water in your tap meets the highest standards.

Bringing Residents into the Conversation — Good government listens. Last year, we expanded resident-facing tools designed to invite meaningful participation in the budget process and beyond. New interactive budgeting tools let residents explore tradeoffs, test priorities and see firsthand how budget choices translate into services. These tools are part of a broader push to make the village’s work even more transparent and more collaborative. When residents engage early and often, decisions are stronger and more resilient.

Parks, Programs & Place — Wellington’s parks, trails and programs are where civic life happens. Over the past year, we continued to expand recreation offerings, improve athletic fields and invest in facilities that support intergenerational activity, from youth sports to senior programming. Our signature events, from holiday celebrations to community races, do more than entertain; they build social capital. A community that knows its neighbors is a community that cares for one another in hard moments as well as in celebration.

Public Safety, Resilience & Stewardship — Safety remains a top priority. Our partnerships with law enforcement, fire-rescue and emergency management professionals mean Wellington continues to be a place residents can feel secure. At the same time, we’re planning for longer-term resilience, from stormwater and drainage projects to investments in utilities that reduce vulnerability. Environmental stewardship, including attention to our equestrian and open-space legacy, will remain a central thread in our planning choices.

Facing and Meeting Challenges Together — No community is without hard questions. Affordability, sensible growth management, transportation and climate-related pressures are shared realities across South Florida. Wellington will continue to face those head-on, not by reacting to headlines, but by investing in data-driven planning, regional collaboration and policies that preserve our quality of life while accommodating inevitable change.

What I Ask of Our Residents — In the year ahead, I ask you to be curious. Use the tools we provide. Attend a public meeting. Volunteer with an organization. Check on an elderly neighbor. Small acts of civic care compound into a community that is resilient and generous.

A Closing Note of Gratitude — None of our progress occurs by accident. It happens because of people: the engineers who design better drainage; the public works staff who maintain fields and trails; the volunteers who pack holiday meals; elected officials who wrestle with complex choices; and residents who care enough to show up. As your village manager, I am grateful for that partnership and for the privilege of serving with a dedicated team that wakes up each day intent on making Wellington better.

If there is one message I want to leave with you this January, it is this: Wellington’s strength lies in our shared commitment to one another. We will continue to invest in the systems and places that matter, and we will do so guided by a simple idea: that a great community is first and always a place where people belong.

Thank you for your trust. I look forward to working with you in the year ahead.