As the growth of women’s polo continues, the Virginia United Polo League has its own woman running both as an organizer and a player. She is none other than Rebekah Greenhill, from the Greenhill Stables polo team. Although she considers herself just a supporter, Rebekah has been working to develop polo in the Virginia area and to show the polo community what is going on in Virginia.
“The community has been receiving it really well and coming to watch the games, of course following COVID rules, but it has been a nice distraction from everything going on the past few months. Everyone wants to come out to the country, grab some wine and tailgate peacefully, to think about something different! Polo is the perfect distraction for players and spectators!” Rebekah told CLICKPOLOUSA.
Greenhill's involvement in polo began as a marketing campaign for their winery. “My husband had bought a winery and vineyard in 2013 in Middleburg, situated right in the heart of Virginia horse and hunt country, about one hour west of Washington D.C. Middleburg and its neighboring towns host a very active equestrian community with nationally recognized events like steeplechase races, showjumping, and polo. We decided to sponsor the local polo matches for branding visibility, which then turned into lessons, horses, and a team. A real addiction!”
Going from sponsors to organizers, Rebekah promotes polo through her social media and her magazine, Middleburg Life: “As landowners in Virginia, promoting polo is key in our efforts to help preserve open spaces and honor the history and tradition of equestrian sports in our community. The horses also love it here, we turn them out to rest for a few months to enjoy the green grass and open pastures”.
Now, both Rebekah and her husband David are taking part in the many different tournaments the Virginia United Polo League hosts. “So far, this season is going even better than I could have expected. The first month, I won the 6-goal tournament with Justo Mouriño, Juan Sanchez, and Cristina Parr. David played the 12-goal Piper Cup with a fantastic team, including Tano Vial, Wesley Bryan, and Justo Mouriño. He is closing his season in the 8-goal with Isabella Wolf, Nico Eurnekian, and Justo. I am playing the 6-goal in September with Nicole Watson, Justo, and Hilario Figueras. Aiming for another 6-goal trophy!”
As for many polo lovers, the next step is to continue this unique experience in Argentina. “Hopefully, we have a trip to Argentina ahead of us, crossing fingers, but for sure we will be in Wellington for the season starting in January. The plan right now is to play where we are stabling at the International Polo Club, as well as in some other local tournaments and leagues.”