By Annelise Peterson
Long a symbol of prestige and tradition, polo in the Hamptons traces its roots back to the early 20th century when wealthy New Yorkers brought the sport to their summer estates. Ralph Lauren, whose brand is synonymous with the preppy, equestrian lifestyle, once remarked, “Polo represents a way of life that is elegant and timeless, a sport that captures the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of excellence.” With professional polo player Nacho Figueras as a brand ambassador and model, the Polo Ralph Lauren label embraces the game as an integral part of the Hamptons’ identity. In recent years, women have notably become the fastest-growing demographic in polo, with Argentinians being the top-ranked players in the world. In the Hamptons, Slaney O’Hanlon is leading a quiet revolution, transforming polo into a more inclusive and dynamic sport for women, breaking down barriers and redefining tradition.
The only professional at the Hamptons Polo Club, located in Water Mill, O’Hanlon discovered the sport at the age of 16, growing up in Manhasset. “The first time I tried polo, I couldn’t even hit the ball,” O’Hanlon admits. Fortunately, failure did not deter her from getting back in the saddle. “I played sports my whole life. Nothing compared to the connection with a horse. The best polo players are great horsemen with a deep respect for their ride.”
Recruited by Garrison Forest, an all-girls boarding school in Maryland, O’Hanlon became a polo sensation, crediting her mentor Esteban Scott as well as Carina Clarkin and Sunny Hale for paving the path for women on the polo field. “A lot of people think polo is an exclusive world that’s off-limits to most,” says O’Hanlon. “The support of executive partners Jessica Sailer Van Lith and Alainn Bailey at the Hamptons Polo Club has been instrumental in championing the evolution of polo from a boys club to a more inclusive and accessible sport for everyone.”
As Ken humorously remarks in the blockbuster Barbie, “To be honest, when I found out the patriarchy wasn’t about horses, I lost interest anyways.” This sentiment captures the changing tides in polo, where a loosening masculine grip on the reins ushers in a new era of diversity and inclusion. With women like O’Hanlon leading the gallop, polo in the Hamptons has become an equal opportunity sport, celebrating both tradition and progress. Watching O’Hanlon on the field shows that nothing is more empowering than a confident woman charging down the field with a goal in mind, exemplifying strength, grace and determination.