Where elegance meets grit in the sport of polo

In an era of speed and screens, Martin Pepa offers something quietly radical: elegance, discipline, and preservation of an old-world glamour that feels increasingly rare. The Argentine-born polo player, who spends his summers riding through the manicured fields of the Hamptons, is more than an athlete; he’s a steward of a tradition that speaks to grace, sport, and timeless style. What sets him apart is not only his skill but his sensibility, poise, and innate connection to the world around him.

Pepa fully embraces the duality between raw athleticism and high-society polish. He trains daily—lifting weights, stretching, and staying in peak physical condition—but also finds balance in the pleasures of Hamptons living. For him, rejuvenation comes through beach days, live music, and long, laughter-filled dinners with great company. His circle is split—half polo friends, half not—reflecting the harmony he’s found between the competitive and the social. Nature is his grounding force; he especially loves walking the beaches and deeply appreciates the way the Hamptons have preserved their natural beauty.

Pepa’s game day begins with a quiet ritual: attending church. He spends 30 to 45 minutes praying and reflecting, drawing on his Catholic faith to find courage and calm. Afterward, he visits his beloved horses, or his “queens” as he calls them, keeping his focus grounded and energy steady. His music choices have evolved—from the energy of Guns N’ ­Roses and the Rolling Stones to the mellow, steady melodies of Elton John, Christopher Cross, and Billy Joel. Now he opts for classics that offer refuge from the intensity of the field.

Behind the scenes, Pepa’s team operates like a close-knit family. In the days leading up to a match, players spend time together at the farm, watching game footage and holding focused team meetings, deciding strategy. These sessions aren’t just tactical; they’re about bonding, building trust, and getting mentally in sync. These unspoken rhythms and rituals form the glue that holds a successful team together.

For Pepa, polo is both a tradition and a vehicle for evolution. While he honors the sport’s rich heritage, what brings him the greatest joy is how it allows him and his teammates to give back. Whether they’re playing in England, Florida, the Hamptons, or Uruguay, they make it a priority to support local communities and provide for those with fewer resources. Polo is more than a game to him; it’s a way to spread love, happiness, and opportunity wherever he goes.

When asked for a favorite off-the-record memory, Pepa doesn’t pinpoint one moment. Instead, he lives for the everyday magic. He describes himself as an “engine” of love and happiness, fueled by seeing others enjoy life. He thrives on reunions, big dinners, and the joy of good company. He finds calm in browsing shops like Marders and admires how each town is committed to preserving its natural surroundings.

When it comes to playing in the Hamptons, he says there’s nowhere quite like it. The fields are pristine, tournaments are high-level, yet the atmosphere is fun and the joy palpable. As for the appeal of Polo Hamptons, Pepa believes people come for the thrill—the pure athleticism, the equine beauty, the electricity in the air. To him, polo is for everyone, and he cherishes the family-friendly energy and expresses gratitude for everyone involved, from the grooms and guests to the media teams.

When the crowds disperse and the champagne stops flowing, Pepa returns to the barn and sits beside his horses for an hour or two, chatting with the grooms about the match, feeding the animals, or icing them down. It’s a moment of peace, reflection, and gratitude. He lives by the team motto: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

When speaking with Pepa, the first word that came to mind was grace. When asked what it means to carry yourself with quiet power, Pepa describes himself as mentally strong—someone who can “click” into a mindset rooted in positivity and purpose. For him, success stems from daily discipline: training, health, happiness, and love for the people around you and for the game itself. Winning isn’t the only goal, though. It’s also about growing stronger each day, even after a loss. Life, as he sees it, is about collecting and connecting, gathering moments of love and unifying them with the grounding presence of family and nature. 

Pepa carries himself like a warrior, always chasing the ball with purpose. But beneath that intensity is a deeper belief: True power comes from unity. Whether on the field or off, he values staying closely connected with teammates, horses, and the people around him—because his strength is amplified when it’s shared.

Polo Hamptons