See and Be Seen - The Equine Social Calendar for Summer - Fall 2021
As equestrians make the migration north after a winter spent at Wellington or training down south, the equestrian social season in the North East begins and the pomp and circumstance feels extra special this year after a year of shutdown. Whether you are an avid equestrian or just looking for a fun activity to fill a summer day, the equestrian events listed below will be sure to entertain and leave you, your friends and family in awe and with a greater appreciation of horses and the bond with their rider.
Virginia United Polo - Virginia United Polo League has weekend polo games for spectators and equestrian enthusiasts to come and enjoy each Sunday starting on June 13th through September 5th. The polo matches and Sunday brunch are held at the Sheila Johnson Polo Field at Great Meadow and VIP’s are invited to an after party at our favorite Salamander Resort and Spa.
Twilight Polo - Looking for a Saturday evening activity that is perfect for entertaining yourself, friends, family, and your children? The Twilight Polo event, which takes place every Saturday evening at 5pm starting on June 5th through September 18th, is fun for all. With a smaller field, the games are fast and you will likely enjoy several matches.
Great Meadow International - Great Meadow International is a 374-acre equestrian event park, located in the middle of Virginia’s equestrian community. The 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation was founded in 1984 with a mission to “preserve open space in service to the community and advance equestrian sport". Be sure to check out their event page here, as the organization and property hosts a vast array of equestrian events all season long! Polo star Nacho Figueras and Kareem Rosser, whom we have previously interviewed, will be playing polo there on June 13th, 2021.
Belmont Stakes - The Belmont Stakes, June 5th, 2021, commonly referred to as The Run for the Carnations, is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, being made up of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. The race takes place at the Belmont race track in Elmont, New York, just outside of NYC making it a fun and fabulous day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Polo in the Hamptons - Spend a beautiful July day in the Hamptons at the polo fields in Bridgehampton. The polo matches take place on July 24th and July 31st. VIP tent access is available by purchasing a ticket which will grant you access to the tent, open bar, lunge area and grand display of hors d'oeuvres.
Hot Air Balloon Festival & Polo Matches hosted by The Victory Cup - The Victory Cup, also referred to as ‘America’s Polo Match’, is a fabulous organization that throws day-long polo events and festivals in various locations around the country such as Texas, New York, Nashville, Charleston and more. As their website says, “Polo. Hot Air Balloons. Helicopters. Vendors. Kid’s Areas. Seafood Tents. Fashion. Live Music. Fun. This event isn’t just a polo match and hot air balloon festival, it’s a networking and social destination drawing thousands.” View the schedule and purchase your tickets here.
Hampton Classic Horse Show - The Hampton Classic, August 29th through September 5th, has annually been one of the biggest bashes of the Hamptons social calendar and closes out the summer season as spectators flock to the show grounds to watch world class equestrians compete for more than $800,000 in prize money. Sip, see, and shop at the Hampton Classic, one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the United States.
Virginia Fall Races - On October 9th, cheer on the exciting steeplechase racing as competitors race along the Virginia countryside on a beautiful Fall weekend.
