What Is the Role of a Patron in Polo?
In the elegant yet fiercely competitive world of polo, few roles are as influential—and often misunderstood—as that of the patron. While top players may dominate the headlines with their skill and speed, it is often the patron who quietly ensures that the team even exists. But who exactly is a patron in polo? And why is their contribution so crucial to the sport?
This article explores the vital role of the patron in polo, from team financing and strategy to their lasting influence on the development of the game.
Who Is a Patron in Polo?
A patron is typically a private individual, often wealthy and passionate about polo, who funds and leads a team. Unlike other sports, in polo the sponsor usually plays as well, often filling one of the lower handicap positions. While they may be amateurs, patrons are indispensable to the high-goal polo ecosystem.
They are the driving force behind most competitive teams, especially in high-profile tournaments such as the Queen’s Cup, the US Open, or the Argentine Open.
What Does a Patron Do?
Funding the Team
The most essential role of a patron is providing the financial support required to field a competitive polo team. This includes:
Paying salaries for professional players (often 6–10 goalers)
Purchasing and maintaining a string of top-level polo ponies
Hiring grooms and support staff
Covering tournament entry fees, transport, and accommodations
Providing uniforms, tack, and custom teamwear
A single high-goal season can cost a patron hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
Managing the Team
In some cases, patrons are actively involved in team strategy, training, and recruitment. They may select professionals based on compatibility rather than just handicap, helping to create a team with strong chemistry. In smaller tournaments, the patron may also act as captain or team leader.
Representing the Brand and Sport
Many patrons are also business owners who use their polo involvement to enhance their personal or corporate image. This symbiosis between lifestyle branding and sports marketing has brought luxury sponsors and international visibility to the sport.
Promoting Polo Culture
Beyond playing and sponsoring teams, many patrons invest in the future of the sport. Some support youth polo, purchase land for new fields, or fund horse breeding programs. Their passion for polo often translates into long-term investments that benefit entire polo communities.
Why Do People Become Polo Patrons?
Being a polo patron is about more than just riding horses. Motivations vary, but often include:
A deep love of the sport and its traditions
A desire to compete and improve, even as an amateur
A family heritage rooted in polo
Opportunities to network and socialize with elite players and entrepreneurs
Personal branding and media visibility
A legacy project to support the future of the sport
Famous Polo Patrons
Throughout the modern era of polo, many influential patrons have helped shape the game:
Mohammed Al Habtoor (UAE) – Founder of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup series
Jean-François Decaux (France) – Patron of La Bamba de Areco
Andrey Borodin (UK/Argentina) – Patron of Park Place Polo
Sapo Caset's patrons – Working with multiple high-goal setups around the world
Their support not only raises the level of competition but also enhances the professionalism and global visibility of polo.
Conclusion: The Hidden Engine Behind the Game
Polo is a sport where tradition meets horsepower, and elegance collides with athleticism. Yet, behind every well-trained team, competitive match, and tournament victory, there is usually a patron making it all possible.
They are not just financial backers; they are players, mentors, businesspeople, and long-term supporters of polo’s values and evolution. Without them, the high-goal version of the sport that captivates audiences from Buenos Aires to Sotogrande simply wouldn't exist.
To understand polo is to appreciate the critical role that patrons play—quietly shaping the present and future of this remarkable sport.