Supporting JustWorld International

I was recently honored to become the first JustWorld International Polo Ambassador. I’ve always been familiar with the non-profit organization that works to fund life-changing nutrition, health, hygiene, education, as well as leadership and cultural development programs for impoverished children in Cambodia, Honduras and Guatemala.

JustWorld International is an established key player in the equestrian philanthropic world, and has been for the last ten years. While they’ve most recognizably had a stance in the show jumping arena, I was eager to introduce them to the polo world, so I signed on with them in January 2013 as their first polo ambassador.

This transition into polo will enlarge JustWorld’s footprint on the international front, making huge strides in spreading the word and making a difference in the lives of impoverished children throughout the world by helping to break the cycle of poverty in some of the poorest communities.

Since my signing, I’ve been joined by fellow polo player, Brandon Phillips.  As joint ambassadors, we are eager to encourage the polo world to assist in JustWorld’s mission. Just recently, we raised over $15,000 at the 10th Annual JustWorld International Gala by auctioning off polo lessons and dinner!

We agree that it’s easy to get caught up in our privileged lifestyle, but Brandon and I are passionate about remembering what’s going on in other parts of the world.  Our plan for the future of JustWorld includes spreading awareness through polo tournaments to benefit the charity, donating money won from matches, and traveling to the project sites throughout the world. We also hope to get more players involved!

Check out pictures below from the gala. And stay tuned for more of my work with JustWorld International!

All dressed up for the gala

Brandon Phillips and I with our new JustWorld friend

Pictures with more loyal JustWorld supporters

Brandon and I enjoyed speaking at the Gala

Faraway Heads to the U.S. Open Quarterfinals

My team, Faraway, is heading into the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open!  Yesterday’s win was an exciting one, the outcome was so uncertain throughout the entire match. Playing for Faraway, we were the underdog going up against Lechuza, who had already won against both Piaget and Orchard Hill.

We strategized; making sure our defense was on point until I scored our only goal in the first chukker. Two chukkers in, we were down 2-1. By halftime I had another goal and so did Lechuza, leading 3-2. Fourth period, Lechuza still led, 5-3. Thankfully, during the fifth chukker I had a penalty shot putting us at 7-4 with still one chukker left to play.

I was proud to assist my team in the final minutes of the game with three consecutive goals, giving Faraway its first Maserati U.S. Open Victory, 8-7.

The game was a great one, I look forward to advancing even further in our next match!

Captaining North America at the High Goal All-Star Polo Challenge

Team North America!

This past Saturday was a really special day as I had the opportunity to captain the North American team at the inaugural High Goal All-Star Polo Challenge.

The match was held at a private polo field in Wellington. When I arrived, I was impressed by the huge tent lined with Ferraris, an American Eurocopter helicopter and a huge crowd filled with fans, family and big names from throughout the luxury world.

Before the match, I had a meet and greet with sponsors Ferrari North America, American Eurocopter, Dom Perignon and Town & Country magazine.  With everyone asking questions and wishing me good luck, I was pumped to play by the time we left!

It was an extremely competitive match.  I was joined on the field by Brandon Phillips, Tommy Biddle and Kris Kampsen, against a powerful South American team, with Nico Pieres, Roby Bilbao and Martin Pepa, led by Facundo Pieres.  While South America came out with a strong  4-1 lead at the end of the first chukker, my teammate Brandon Phillips came through in the end, making the tying goal as the clock ran out.  In the end, we called it a draw: 7-7.

I’m really excited for next year—the draw is alright, but I predict North America will take home the High Goal All-Star Polo Challenge Cup in 2014!

Check out some pictures below from Saturday, click here to watch video footage of the day by Miami Pop!

The coveted High Goal Cup

North America being interviewed before the match.

North America!

Shamin Abas, Facundo and I

Great action shot from the match

Brandon’s horse won best playing pony

Closing Ceremony

The Countdown is On! High Goal All-Star Polo Challenge

Five days away and everyone in the polo community is talking about the upcoming inaugural High Goal All-Star Polo Challenge in Wellington, this Saturday, March 16th.

This all-pro match is especially important, as it’s different from anything else in the polo world. Winning this Saturday will mean more than taking home cash and a trophy. It’s North America versus South America. Winning will make an international statement, acting as a mark of distinction amongst some of the best polo players in the world.

I have the privilege of captaining the North American team.  I’ll be taking the field alongside Brandon Phillips, Kris Kampsen and Tommy Biddle Jr. We hope to dominate the South American team—Roberto Bilbao, Martin Pepa and Nicolas Pieres, led by captain Facundo Pieres.

We’ll be playing for almost 500 South Florida VIPs and sponsors, including Ferrari North America, Town & Country, Dom Perignon and American Eurocopter.

While the VIP tent is invite-only, the public is welcome to watch the match for $20 a car.  The gates open at 3:30pm and the match begins at 4pm.  For more information, click here.

Stay tuned for photos and stats that will make a serious statement in the international polo world this weekend. North America is playing to win!

Giving back to St. Jude Children’s Hospital with David Yurman

I spent Tuesday night surrounded by some of my closest friends and polo colleagues, meeting new people and shopping for jewelry to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

It was the opening of the new David Yurman boutique at Town Center at Boca Raton.  Hosted by Town & Country magazine, we invited all of our friends to the in-store event where I met some of David Yurman’s most important clients and browsed some beautiful pieces chosen by Town & Country fashion editor Stellene Volandes.

David Yurman was so charitable to donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a cause I have supported throughout most of my professional polo career.

The new David Yurman boutique at Town Center at Boca Raton

Jessica Ross, Store Manager & I

Katherine Lande, Fashion & Style Director for Palm Beach Media Group

Donna Jacques & Nene Piltoff

The food was great!

Laura Wilson, Associate Manager of Integrated Marketing for Town & Country & I

It was a great turnout!

Betheny Wallin trying on earrings

Town & Country Editor’s Picks

Amelia checking out what David Yurman has to offer in her size

Me giving a little thank you to David Yurman for supporting St. Jude Children’s Hospital

My friends Melissa Ganzi, Brandon Phillips, Hannah Selleck and Kris Kampsen

Abbi Tauber & Rebecca Appelbaum

Mayco Bratzoon

Although I don’t wear a lot of jewelry every day, I left with this awesome David Yurman bracelet picked out for me by one of the stylists at the boutique. It really suits my lifestyle.

David Yurman Men’s Chevron Wrap bracelet in Camel

Miami Modern Luxury’s “Man of Style”

I was so honored to recently be selected for Miami Modern Luxury’s upcoming “Man of Style” issue.  Yesterday, I went down to Miami Beach for the shoot.

I had a great time shooting with photographer Nick Garcia and his crew from Blindlight Studios. He’s really talented and I’m honored to have been able to work with him.

 

The weather was ideal for a rooftop shoot at The Gale on South Beach.  We caught the evening sunset and the lighting was absolutely perfect.  Many thanks to Salvatore Ferragamo for dressing me!

The issue comes out in April.  I’ll be sure to share it with you once it hits newsstands!

Victory!

On Sunday, November 25th, I was honored to compete for the International Cup in a match that pitted the U.S. against England at  Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington.

It was a slow start for both teams as multiple shots were taken but went wide. We managed to take a 1.5-0 lead after the first seven minutes of play. England continued to attack until finally, my teammate, Jeff Hall was able to give us a 2.5-0 lead. I was then able to pick up my weight by snagging five goals throughout the rest of the game. It was a tough match, but we closed the game with an 8.5 to 6 win over England.

I was honored to accept the trophy for MVP as my teammate, Jeff Hall’s 7-year-old Bay Thoroughbred, Smooth, was honored as “Best Playing Pony.”  It was an amazing afternoon!