The thundering hooves a blur of motion. That’s the Hamburger Polo Club for you. A whirlwind of history elegance and athleticism.
Established in 1898 the Hamburger Polo Club wasn’t just another sporting group. It was a gathering of Hanseatic and Anglophilic gentlemen. These men shared a passion for polo a sport then relatively new even in England. Imagine the excitement the thrill of introducing this fast-paced game to Hamburg.
Their first match took place on June 25 1898. The location was the Bahrenfeld trotting track. Soon after they secured a dedicated polo field within Jenisch Park. This wasn’t just any field. It hosted international tournaments during the “race-free” days of the German Derby. The newspapers reported extensively on these events detailing the beauty of the club grounds and the clubhouse’s polo-themed red white and green decor.
The renowned painter Max Liebermann a passionate equestrian himself was a frequent visitor. He came to paint the “Terrace at Jacob’s in Nienstedten on the Elbe”. He was captivated by the Hamburger Polo Club’s matches observing the stylish and modern sport. His resulting artwork featured two compositions one emphasizing the figures the other the landscape.
The club’s history isn’t without its challenges. World War I brought a halt to polo. The club even briefly merged with other riding clubs to focus on horse breeding. But the spirit of polo persisted. An unforgettable farewell dinner at the Hotel Atlantic marked the end of an era. Yet even in that moment the hope remained that polo would return to its former glory.
A remarkable detail is the inclusion of a stuffed horse named “Fotografo” at this dinner. This horse had played a significant role in pre-war equestrian sports.
The Hamburger Polo Club faced further setbacks during World War II. Its grounds were requisitioned. Members were called to the front. Ponies and horses were commandeered for the war effort. The game remained silent for nearly two decades.
However after the war the club was revived. The unwavering spirit of members like Rolf Breuer secured the return of the grounds. Robert Miles Reincke especially played a crucial role in reigniting the passion for polo. The club was resurrected in 1956.
The Hamburger Polo Club not only plays polo. It boasts tennis and hockey divisions too. In 2023 it installed the world’s first climate-neutral synthetic hockey turf. This eco-friendly initiative further enhances the club’s legacy.
Today the Hamburger Polo Club is thriving. It continues to be a family club attracting members across generations. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of this historic institution. A place where tradition meets modern innovation where the spirit of competition is balanced with a welcoming and familial atmosphere. The club’s history is a thrilling story one that deserves to be told and retold time and again.