
Polo handicap passport to the world
Sir Winston Churchill once said that “a polo handicap is your passport to the world.” The Santa Barbara Polo Club will experience just that as the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) sponsors the First Rubirosa Ambassador Polo Cup on Sunday, June 10, 2012. The event celebrates Dominican Republic’s roots in polo, honors Dominican Diplomat and polo player, Porfirio Rubirosa, and promotes the island nation as a destination for horseback riding vacations.

Dominican Republic embraces equestrian lifestyle
While the Dominican Republic is known for its art, beaches and culture, many are unaware of its connection with horses.
“Dominican Republic is being rediscovered as an upscale destination by tourists, celebrities and filmmakers alike. Having a presence in the 2012 season of the Santa Barbara Polo Club and recognizing the international success of Dominican polo icon Porfirio Rubirosa will emphasize the equestrian lifestyle, polo players and variety of other luxury activities that Dominican Republic has to offer,” said Magaly Toribio, Vice Minister of International Promotion, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.

La Romana polo playground
Situated on the country’s Southeast Coast along the Caribbean Sea, Casa de Campo Resort in La Romana is where Porfirio Rubirosa played polo and is the regional hot spot for the equestrian sport. Casa de Campo was also the site of the World Cup Semi-Final Polo Championships.

Santa Barbara Polo Club
Considered the jewel of the North American Riviera, the Santa Barbara Polo Club is one of the leading polo facilities in the world. The Club is renowned for hosting major tournaments such as the Centennial Celebration featuring Prince William, and the annual Ambassador Holden Cup in honor of Glen Holden, a former U.S. Ambassador and founder of the Federacion Internacional de Polo (FIP).
Coastlines, polo players, equestrians tie California and Dominican Republic
The hostess of the event, Isabella Wall, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s Representative in California, said, “We are thrilled to represent the Dominican Republic to equestrian enthusiasts here in California. Dominican Republic and Santa Barbara have so much in common. From our equestrian lifestyle and luxury, to our vast coastlines, polo players are sure to feel as at home in Dominican Republic as they do in Santa Barbara.”
Social Media
To find out what’s happening in the Dominican Republic follow them on Twitter. For all things travel related, follow Nancy D. Brown on Twitter, as well as Ridinghorseback on Twitter.
Top two photos courtesy of Casa de Campo Resort’s website. Art photo courtesy of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. Santa Barbara Polo Club photo courtesy of Kim Kumpart Photography.
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