Laura Farrell Leads Women’s Team in the Guards Ladies Charity Polo Tournament

Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by The Art of Polo

When asked what inspired her to form a team and compete in the Guards Ladies Polo Charity Tournament in Windsor, England, local TTR Sotheby’s Vice President and realtor Laura Farrell of The Plains shares, “Initially, it was the opportunity to play at the Guards Polo Club. It’s one of the most prestigious in the world.” 

Founded on January 25, 1955, the Guards Polo Club’s first president was HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He kept that role for 66 years, until his death in 2021. Located on Smith’s Lawn, just south of Windsor Castle, the club is much loved and known globally for its royal ties, pristine pitches, sweeping views, and charitable tournaments. 

The charity aspect of the Guards Ladies Tournament was perhaps an even more powerful draw to enter for Farrell. She explains, “When I researched the Ladies Charity more, I realized it’s very social, with a live and silent auction and retail village in support of the charity.” This year’s tournament, which ran from August 20 to 31, benefited Mary’s Meals, a global nonprofit with the aim of ending childhood hunger. 

Farrell’s teammate and British polo legend, Nina Clarkin, explains, “Mary’s Meals provides life-changing school meals to children and has a presence in 17 countries.” She adds, “I think it’s a fabulous charity for Guards. The club and tournament are well-supported polo events and will raise a lot of money and awareness for children in need.” 

In addition to Clarkin, Farrell selected British polo player Lucy Coddington, whom she knew from their tournament win in the 2023 Ladies French Open. Of assembling the team, Farrell says, “Nina has the highest women’s handicap rating at 10 goals, and is such an incredible steward of the sport and player. Lucy Coddington, another amazing British player, has played alongside Nina for decades and does an incredible job organizing the tournaments and logistics.” 

Farrell wanted a junior for the fourth member of the team, and chose one close to Clarkin’s heart: her daughter Elizabeth. Farrell shares, “I think having an up-and-coming junior player is the perfect complement to complete the team. This year, we [had] Nina’s 13-year-old daughter, Elizabeth. How cool!” Clarkin adds, “This is really something special, and to be honest it is probably one of the highlights of my career. I am absolutely loving it! To see her progressing and improving is so rewarding.” She adds, “The only downside is that she is stealing my ponies!” 

For Farrell, working with this group of women has been particularly worthwhile. She shares, “The most rewarding aspect of this team is the dynamics, [with] three of us in our 40s all having been around horses from childhood, combined with a young player. There are no egos, just a group of ladies that go out there and play! I am confident we will have a blast playing together again.” 

As of August 29, when this article was published, undefeated TTR Sotheby’s had secured a spot in the semifinal against Polo Performance, with the final set for August 31 at 3 p.m. BST. With their outcome still hanging in the balance, Farrell and Clarkin shared what they hoped would happen. “I hope to accomplish the feeling of synergy when the team meets and connects. This is a very special feeling and will be even more thrilling because the Guards Polo Club has the very best grounds in the world. I like that this event is focused on female athletes, and I hope the tournament raises a lot of money for Mary’s Meals!” As for Clarkin, “Honestly, I hope to come away with the win, as this is one of the best women’s tournaments in the world.” She continued, “But obviously it is a pleasure to be playing in a tournament that supports such a wonderful charity, and if we can bring awareness and funding to Mary’s Meals then how amazing for all [of] us.”

Even more, Farrell is proud to put local polo on the map, and acknowledges that it required the support of local, national, and international sponsors. She shares, “I would like to thank the generous support of our team sponsors, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, based in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area, and Proton Partners, an investment banking firm out of London/New York/Austin. Both organizations have a strong philanthropic core and want to support women’s sports, ladies’ polo, and this charity tournament. The U.S. Polo Assn. is also partnering with the team, and it’s particularly special for me, a local Virginia team sponsor, to partner with an incredible organization like this.” ML

9/9 Update: TTR Sotheby’s won the final match 7-4. For more photos from the tournament, see the full photo gallery here.

Published in the September 2024 issue of Middleburg Life.