Top & jeans, U.S. Polo Assn. Boots, Vakiano.
Although eco-entrepreneurship defines Agustin Arellano, he is known as the first openly gay Polo athlete who played for Team USA and opened for the XII FIP World Polo Championship in October 2022. Arellano and the team had an impressive 9-4 victory over Australia, making it to the final game against Spain, where Team USA earned second place in the international polo world cup competition, which was one of the most memorable events in USPA history.
Born in San Diego, California, and currently based out of Palm Beach, Florida, Arellano began running the polo circuit at a very young age. His father, Julio Arellano, was his greatest inspiration. Julio Arellano was born in Cuba and moved to Wellington as a child, where he developed a love for polo. As a result, he was one of America’s top-ranked polo players, followed by leading Team USA as its captain for ten years. He holds a prominent list of titles to his name in addition to four U.S. Open Championships.
Khaki jacket, U.S. Polo Assn.
“Polo is unlike any other sport in the world,” expressed Agustin Arellano. “To partner up with a 1000-pound animal and run across a field going 35-40 miles an hour chasing after a ball with other players coming at you is quite an adrenaline rush.”
For Arellano, this rush and sport are a huge part of who he is and have shaped him to be the best version of himself, especially when it comes to discipline and respecting nature, as well as others. With this in mind, his upbringing and role as a professional polo athlete have directed him towards eco-entrepreneurship.
“Balancing out eco-entrepreneurship and polo is not easy!” he exclaimed. “I love having my hand in different things to keep my mind working,” he continued. “Everything I do is based around my love for nature and beauty. Horses are both those things personified, and most of the people I partner with I have met through polo!”
Top & jeans, and bag: U.S. Polo Assn. Boots, Vakiano.
His affinity for nature and beauty was instilled in him through his mother. Agustin Arellano stated that his mother is the literal epitome of mother nature, as she’s saved many orphaned animals, all the way from birds, opossums, raccoons, wild boars, and deer. Until this very day, Arellano’s mother continues saving animals in need.
“My mom raised me to have such a love and appreciation for the world around me. This sparked a passion in me to make a difference in every project I participate in.”
Arellano resulted in becoming the operations manager at Rinehart Polo, where he spearheads all developments. Rinehart Polo is a polo organization dedicated to the long-term betterment of the sport of polo, such as: focusing on polo education, sponsoring youth polo programs, working to make polo more inclusive, and improving equine welfare. The organization also works to cultivate tools for a symbiotic environment in the world of polo.
“I want to make sure I’m leaving a positive impact on people and the world I interact with,” he said.
Top & jeans, and bag, U.S. Polo Assn. Boots, Vakiano.
With him also breaking barriers as the first openly gay man to compete in the XII FIP World Polo Championship this past Fall, Arellano feels coming out has been such a blessing, because he realizes he’s become his childhood idol. Therefore, he’s dedicated his career to being someone his younger self would have wanted to look up to. In addition to reminding others that there isn’t a specific blueprint to follow.
“Just be you, your character and how you treat others is what’s most important,” he expressed.
As an eco-entrepreneur, Agustin Arellano believes being yourself is vital to having a thriving business. Most recently, he co-founded two businesses, The Range and The Pampa Project, which align with his core values.
The Range is a company focusing on the real estate industry, specifically in eco-friendly development and design. The company is based on the idea of conserving history and open land, along with finding a use for it.
Top & white pants, U.S. Polo Assn. Shoes, Vince.
Project Pampa is a furniture company bringing luxury and sustainably sourced furniture to the United States’ interior design market from South America. The company consists of designers who are cultivating and using eco-friendly materials and methods throughout their craft.
“My focus is to create an experience for people to remember and pause and think about the world around them,” said Arellano about his business goals.
Overall, Arellano is beyond thrilled to announce that he has now partnered as a Global Brand Ambassador for U.S. Polo Assn. As the brand’s clothing is directly designed alongside the polo world, he’ll be joining them in their philanthropic efforts and playing the role of an ambassador for their partner 4Ocean.
“This partnership and project are very important to me, and I am looking forward to being a part of the team,” he expressed.
To keep up with Agustin Arellano and his eco-friendly businesses, give all three a follow over @agus_arellano, @projectpampa, and @therange_group.
Top & white pants, U.S. Polo Assn. Shoes, Vince.
Talent: Agustin Arellano @agus_arellano.
PR: Natalie Tran Steger @natalietsteger.
Great Social Club @greatsocialclub.
Photography & Art Direction: Pablo Schreiterer.
Schreiterer Studio @schreiterer_studio.
Location: Indian Mound Polo Club, Wellington, Florida.
Written by: Aida M. Toro @aidamtoro.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
