Father-Son Team Dominates Long Island Polo Scene

Professional polo player Juan Redlich, 47, is enjoying a memorable summer on Long Island, sharing the field with his son, Juancito, a 16-year-old aspiring polo star. The duo represents a unique bond in the sport, as they ride together, with Juancito eager to follow in his father's hoofprints.

“We share every day together. So for me, this is the biggest gift that life has ever given,” Juan remarked, reflecting on their time spent training and competing. The Redlich family hails from Venado Tuerto, a vibrant polo town located about four and a half hours northwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina. There, they play during the South American summer months from December to February.

Juancito, still mastering English, credits his father for teaching him about horses and the importance of relationships with grooms. “We’re in the field all day to practice, to ride, and I learned a lot from him,” he said, emphasizing the hands-on experience he gains while training on Long Island.

The excitement surrounding their family legacy resonates back home in Argentina. “They get very excited about us, about what my son is doing,” Juan explained. His journey to Long Island began at 18 when he took a summer job caring for horses, and since then, the family has embraced the beauty of the North Shore from June to September.

Every Thursday evening, they participate in free-to-attend sunset matches at Meadow Brook Polo Club in Old Westbury and compete in Sunday’s “Polo at The Park” at Bethpage State Park. Juan, affectionately known as “Johnny Juan” by announcers, has become a crowd favorite.

Polo's intricate nature requires players to switch horses throughout matches, which typically consist of four to eight chukkers lasting 7½ minutes each. Transporting horses from Argentina incurs significant costs—upwards of $12,500 per horse—an expense borne by individual players with sponsorship assistance. “We flew nine up for this summer. They just got here the other day,” Juan noted, praising Juancito’s natural rapport with the animals.

“He’s very natural with the horses. I never saw him fighting with a horse or making one tired. He brings out the best in them,” Juan added. Juancito's passion for horses began in childhood while riding in Argentina's fields. His interest in polo intensified during the pandemic when riding became one of the few outdoor activities available.

“From the beginning he was a very natural rider,” Juan stated, emphasizing that he never pressured his son to pursue polo. Instead, he believes Juancito should choose what makes him happy. Now, Juancito aims to refine his skills over the next few years, focusing on finesse and striking power to earn a place in professional tournaments.

The ongoing Constitution Cup on Long Island serves as an ideal platform for Juancito to showcase his progress. “If it doesn’t work out, I want to go to college for agriculture and have a Plan B,” he shared, expressing his love for summers dedicated to polo.

“But no matter what, I want to work with horses for the rest of my life,” he affirmed. For now, his focus remains on improving his game alongside his father. “I want to be a better player,” Juancito concluded. “Doing this with my father pushes me to be my best.”