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Happy New Year! Here at Wellington The Magazine, we begin 2026 with our annual polo-themed edition. Featured on our front cover is polo star Polito Pieres, part of the legendary Pieres polo family. Be sure to check out our profile on Polito, who once again returns to Wellington aiming for another strong season.
Also keeping with the polo theme, we look at the 2026 inductees into the prestigious Polo Hall of Fame, look back at November’s Legends of Polo event at Grand Champions celebrating the long-lasting legacy of Carlos Gracida, and take a look at some of the big changes at the National Polo Center this year.
Many Wellington equestrians have found a secret weapon in sports psychology consultant Mario Soto, also profiled in this issue. As you mark your seasonal calendar, be sure to add the JustWorld International gala on Jan. 22 and the Equestrian Legends Celebrity Polo Match & Gala benefiting the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis on Jan. 24. We preview both events this month.
Our new Wellington Philanthropy series kicks off this month with a profile of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. In Wellington Today, Village Manager Jim Barnes looks ahead to all that is in store for 2026. Finally, Wellington Table samples the South American delicacies available at Rancho Argentino.
Now that the 2026 equestrian season has arrived, be sure to make plans to take in a polo match or horse show. We look forward to seeing you out and about around Wellington!
Message From The Publisher
executive editor
Joshua I. Manning
publisher
Dawn Rivera
senior graphic designer
Stephanie Rodriguez
graphic designer
Yolanda Cernicky
account managers
Betty Buglio
Evie Edwards
Joetta Palumbo
administration
Shanta Daibee
Jill Kaskel
Carol Lieberman
photography
Frank Koester
Abner Pedraza
contributors
Shannon Anastasio
Jim Barnes
Erin Davisson
Sydney Durieux
Candace Ferreira
Denise Fleischman
Mike May
Patrick Sherry
Fiona Slusarev
Y.A. Teitelbaum
Dawn Rivera
Dawn Rivera,Publisher
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