Palm Beach Illustrated January 2019

As January signals the beginning of equestrian season in Palm Beach County, it made sense to devote the issue to the western communities’ prolific horse scene, most notably the Winter Equestrian Festival and high-goal polo. Whether you plan to tailgate at the International Polo Club or watch the nation’s best hunter/jumpers perform at the International Equestrian Center, our pages will guide you through the fine points of the sports, from the fiercest competitors to can’t-miss events. Our cover subject this month is Carlitos Gracida, son of legendary polo player Carlos Gracida, who was killed in a polo accident five years ago. Being born into a polo dynasty comes with a lot of expectations, and Carlitos has risen to the challenge admirably. Not only is he blazing his own path on…

LILLY RETURNS WHO: Lilly Pulitzer WHAT: New store opening and sixtieth anniversary celebration WHERE: Worth Avenue, Palm Beach HIGHLIGHTS: Members of Lilly Pulitzer’s family and fans of the fashion brand welcomed the new flagship store to Worth Avenue. POLICEMEN’S COCKTAIL WHO: Palm Beach Police Foundation WHAT: Cocktail reception for Policemen’s Ball WHERE: Private residence, Palm Beach HIGHLIGHTS: Supporters of the annual ball gathered to toast chairs John and Monika Preston and this year’s event benefactors. ULTIMATE DINNER PARTY WHO: Children’s Home Society of Florida WHAT: Ultimate Dinner Party WHERE: Private residences, Palm Beach HIGHLIGHTS: CHS supporters gathered for cocktails at Villa Fontana before enjoying chef-prepared dinners at private homes. A SPARKLING DEBUT WHO: Le Bal des Débutantes WHAT: International debutante couture and media premiere WHERE: Shangri-La Hotel, Paris HIGHLIGHTS: Couture-clad…

Nicknamed the “Sport of Kings,” polo has been a fixture in Palm Beach County for the last several decades. The area gained a footing within the international polo scene with the opening of the Gulfstream Polo Club in 1923. Fast-forward more than 95 years and Wellington is now a mecca for winter polo play and equestrian competitions. This community comes alive in January, when hundreds of riders, players, and equine enthusiasts flock to South Florida for the season. Turn the page to see what’s in store for 2019.…

When it comes to Wellington polo, the International Polo Club Palm Beach is about as iconic as it gets. Its much-loved Sunday polo program runs from December 30 to April 21 and offers numerous ways to enjoy the action, ranging from stadium seating to tailgating tents. Its 20-goal tournaments are scheduled for December 30, January 3-13, January 11 to February 10, and February 16 and 17. Highlights from its 22-goal lineup include the C.V. Whitney Cup February 13-24 and the U.S. Open Polo Championship from March 27 to April 21. (ipc.coth.com) Over at Grand Champions Polo Club, the winter season will see tournaments from 6 to 40 goals as well as the debut of the 26-goal World Polo League. A handful of the sport’s most famous 10-goalers—such as Adolfo Cambiaso…

Within the equestrian community, South Florida is synonymous with one thing: the Winter Equestrian Festival. From January 9 to March 31, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center hosts dozens of hunter/jumper shows featuring some of the sport’s brightest stars. One of our favorite WEF pastimes is the Saturday Night Lights series, taking place every Saturday from January 12 to March 30. These Grand Prix show jumping competitions begin at 7 p.m. and are free to attend. Special installments include the Great Charity Challenge on February 2 and the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix on March 30. (pbiec.coth.com)…

1. The Basics: There are four players per team on the field, which measures 300 yards by 160 yards. Teams switch goals after each point to counteract wind and turf conditions. There are six periods, or chukkers, per game, with each lasting seven minutes. 2. Tailgating: This is one of the absolute best ways to experience polo at IPC. That said, all of the tents have been sold for the season. If you (or a friend) were lucky enough to snag one, be sure to go all out with food and decor. To see the most outrageous and amazingly themed tailgates of the season, attend the Gay Polo League’s annual tournament on April 6. 3. Sunday Brunch: Held weekly at The Pavilion, on the east side of the field, IPC’s…