Game Day
Generations of polo players and ponies carry on the traditions of more than 100 years at the Santa Barbara Polo Club
By Gina Tolleson
Photographs by Lindsey Ross
The Sport of Kings
There is probably not a more recognizable face in the pop culture of polo than the true ambassador of the sport, Nacho Figueras. From the pampas of his native Argentina, Nacho has assumed diplomat status, crisscrossing the globe with the Ralph Lauren brand and as a competitive, charitable player for the gentleman’s game. Now he returns to Santa Barbara with his heir apparent sons, Hilario, 25, 5 goals, and Artemio, 15, 2 goals. “There are few things more meaningful than watching my sons fall in love with the sport that has shaped my life,” he says. “Whether I’m playing alongside them or just being there to support them as they begin their own journeys, it’s something I cherish deeply.”
Polo Wife, Happy Life
“Being here as a family during the polo season is really special,” says Delfina Blaquier, wife, mother, and CEO of the Figueras family. “The club is more than 100 years old, and you can feel the history in the air—it’s alive. The boys love the energy, the matches are nonstop, and when we’re not at the fields, we’re surfing, hiking, exploring the area…it’s a rhythm that feels like summer.”
A pony line waits to get called into the field. Each player typically has more than eight horses in their string for a six-chukker game.
“Polo is the only sport that is age and gender agnostic that combines man and horse. It is heaped in strategy and discipline as all players play offense and defense. Our horses are our professional sports team. The polo field is the great equalizer.”
Father and Sons, Inc.
If there were a local Yellowstone, Klentner Ranch would be our western star. With private barns and stables adjacent to the club, Carpinteria’s own Justin Klentner—with sons Jake, 25, and Luke, 24—are forces to be reckoned with on and off the field, charmingly so. “Playing with my sons is always the dream I had when I started to play polo, and it’s better in reality then I could have ever imagined,” says Justin. “It keeps us close as a family, and we have to fight over who gets what horse, which keeps it interesting. I hope I can play until I am 90.”
Luke Klentner post practice.
Sibling Rivalry
Mia and Jesse Bray are a familiar brother-sister duo, now calling Santa Barbara home between playing in Florida, Argentina, and the Coachella Valley. “Our competitiveness is strong, so it’s always better to play with my brother than against him,” says Mia. “He definitely pushes me harder on the field than anyone else, so I’ve learned to be a tough polo player and have thick skin.” Jesse, at 32 and one of the highest-ranking American players at 7 goals, hasn’t missed a summer season here in more than 15 years. “I met my wife, Hayley, here at the club, and my daughter was born in Santa Barbara. This is home.”
The Patrona
Alecia Seidler, one of a few female players and leader of Quite on Z team, is a fiery Brazilian who loves to play defense and has spent more than 10 years dedicated to the sport. “It feels great to be back playing in Santa Barbara. I love this team. The guys are so passionate and kind, and they want to win! As Ayrton Senna, the great Formula One driver, said, ‘We are competing to win. If you no longer go for a gap, you are no longer competing.’”
The OG
Henry Walker, CEO of Farmers and Merchants Bank, has been playing for 47 years at the SBPRC (where he is also the president and a trustee), representing the longest continuous playing family at the club since 1953. “It is an adrenaline sport that combines the contact of hockey, the danger of NASCAR, and horsemanship, and wraps it all up onto the field.”
Grant Palmer’s horse Gran Docena, a spectacular mount brought from Argentina in 2022.
“Sharing the field together with Hope is both empowering and deeply personal—it’s about sisterhood, grit, and raising the bar for what’s possible.”
One to Watch
Returning for her second season here, 22-year-old Hope Arellano is a highly ranked 10-goal women’s player and recent US Open champion. She’s no stranger to the world of global polo, having been raised on the circuit with her father, Julio, and brothers, Agustin and Lucas—all of whom are professional players. Hope is breaking down barriers for women in the sport and has the dream opportunity to pair up with one of her biggest supporters in Sarah Siegel-Magness, her 90210 team sponsor. “Playing alongside Sarah is very special. She works so incredibly hard to incorporate women on her teams. She is a true ambassador for the sport.”
The Powerhouse
Sarah Siegel-Magness, patron of 90210 team, is a relentless force in the saddle and a mighty mentor to many. She champions safety and camaraderie on the field, settles for nothing but the best (she will be playing with legendary 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso in the high-goal season starting in July), and, most of all, leads by example for the growth of the sport, especially for women. “Our presence here is more than symbolic—it’s a call to continue creating space for female athletes at all levels. We’re proud to be part of that shift and to show younger generations that this path exists and can thrive.”
Farm to Field
“As a third-generation polo player, it’s amazing to continue the tradition,” says Will Busch, 2-goal player for Folded Hills, named after his family’s farmstead and winery in the Santa Ynez Valley. Raised in Santa Barbara, he descends from a long line of horsemen. “I learned everything I know about polo from my grandfather August Busch and my father, Andrew Busch.”
All Grown Up
“Playing at the club is like being at home for me,” says second-generation player Grant Palmer. “I grew up watching polo and running around these grounds all day.” Swinging a mallet since the age of four, Grant, 23, feels lucky to follow in his father’s footsteps and continue the Antelope Polo Team, which he’s very proud of. “We have always maintained a similar culture in the organization, which stems from the love and enjoyment of the sport. Whether we win or lose, there’s always a great feeling on and off the field. Of course, none of it would be possible without the hardworking grooms making sure the horses are in top shape. We owe all our success to them.”
