Keeping Up With Wellington

Keeping Up With Wellington: Middleburgers Under the Palms

Polo

Middleburg’s own Beverly Equestrian Polo team competed against Palm Beach Equine during the opening day at International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida. This game was part of the 18-Goal Joe Barry Cup. Beverly Polo players this year include: Bill Ballhaus, Lucas Diaz Alberdi, Jorge “Tolito” Fernandez Ocampo Jr., and Hilario Figueras.

“Beginning the season with two difficult games against Palm Beach Equine, Beverly Polo emerged victorious in the opening game of the Joe Barry Memorial with a thrilling 12-11 overtime victory which was highlighted by the impressive game-winning goal from Tolito Ocampo” —US POLO.ORG

Above: Lucas Diaz Alberdi, Beverly Polo. Photos by Jennifer Gray.

In these images (above) we see Lucas Diaz Alberdi, a 6-goal polo professional for Beverly Equestrian, racing down the field after the ball as he and his horse take a dramatic tumble only to quickly jump back up and recover!

Club members and their guests watch the opening polo games at International Polo Club. Photo by Jennifer Gray.

“Few players have had more success in the Joe Barry Memorial in recent years than Lucas Diaz Alberdi. Winning in 2019 with Dutta Corp and in 2020 with Palm Beach Equine, Alberdi has his sights set on a third consecutive title with Beverly Polo, playing the prototypical number two position. Working tirelessly in the middle of the game to free up space for both Ocampo and Figueras, Alberdi has been a key figure in Beverly Polo’s offense, leading the team with four assists. Adding his two goals, Alberdi has been directly involved on half of Beverly Polo’s field goals, providing a balanced offense.” —USPOLO.ORG

Guests snap a selfie during the polo match. Photo by Jennifer Gray.

Winter Equestrian Festival

Alexa Lowe, Ever D’hoogpoort. Photo by Olivia Airhart.

The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is the largest and longest-running horse show in the world, attracting national and international competitors, with some preparing for the Olympics or beginning professional equestrian careers. WEF is being held this year from January 6 to April 4 in Wellington, Florida. Pictured are a few Middleburg locals spotted competing at WEF this year. ML