Polo on Long Island
Polo on Long Island dates back to 1879 when a group of Long Islanders started playing on the infield of racetrack of the Mineola Fair Grounds. From there the Meadowbrook Club was formed. The 1920's-1940's is considered the "Golden Age of Polo" with millionaires of the time, Thomas Hitchcock Sr, August Belmont and many others, spearheading the sports popularity here. Polo on Long Island was the scene for national and international matches. The national Open garnered 1000's of spectators.
World War II brought so much to halt nationally especially Polo. Following the War, Long Island began to expand and available lands made way for roadways, housing and other development. The Meadowbrook Club lost it's original field location to the ceation of the Meadowbrook Parkway.
In recent years there has been a resurgence in interest in the sport. The Meadowbrook Club now The Meadow Brook Polo Club is the oldest polo club in the Country. It can also continue to claim credit for polo on Long Island. The club hosts numerous event from June-September at three locations- Bethpage, Old Westbury and Caumsett on Lloyd Neck.
Spectators are welcome to attend and are encouraged to check the calendar for the times, locations, and details of event event. Additionally for 2023, the Meadow Brook Polo Club is offering a FREE family event everything Thursday, during the season, in Old Westbury.
Also.. no doubt one of the most popular elements of polo attendance, if not for the game, is for the fashion (we can definitely credit the "polo shirt" to the game of polo) and the stomping of the divot made popular in the movie Pretty Woman.
Be sure to scroll for other Equestrian pursuits.
