NEWS

At the young age of 17 years old, Harrison Reicher is making a name for himself in the world of polo. The young American player, who started playing polo 10 years ago at the Vero Beach Polo Club in Vero Beach, Florida, embarked on a journey to Argentina to play the season alongside his team, Wind Swept. Under the mentorship of Agustin “Tincho” Merlos, a former Argentine 10-goaler renowned for his record-breaking 18 goals in the Argentine Open, Reicher has rapidly honed his skills.

This year marked a significant milestone for Reicher as he secured a victory in the U.S. Junior Open at the National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida, playing alongside Santos and Rufino Merlos, as well as Poroto Cambiaso. His participation in the Argentine season extended to some of the most prestigious venues in the country, including Palermo as part of the Presidents’ Cup, a tournament paying homage to past presidents of the Argentine Polo Association.

Reicher’s experiences, from playing at renowned polo fields to learning from one of the sport's greats, have shaped his approach to the game and his future aspirations. As he stands on the brink of turning 18, his journey in polo is just beginning, with ambitions that include playing in the U.S. Open Polo Championship and continuing to grow alongside mentors and teammates who have become like family.

Harrison, you just played in Palermo, is this your first time here?
"Yes, this is my first time playing in another country. It was a pleasure to be part of this tournament and be able to play on these amazing fields."

You have played in the most important venues in Argentina! How does it feel?
"It was such luck to be part of this amazing tournament, with such amazing teammates and on amazing fields."

You played with a legend like Tincho Merlos, how did it feel and what did you learn?
"I've been playing with him basically for my entire career, so every single season it's a pleasure learning from and playing with him, he teaches [me] everything I know so it's fun playing with him."

How old are you and when did you start?
"I'm about to turn 18. I started playing when I was around 8 at Vero Beach Polo and from there onwards, I played with Tincho and learned everything I know from him."

Besides Tincho you also played with his son, Rufino, and his father Cacho has been advising you from the sidelines; what's your relation with them?
"Yes, I have the whole bloodline here with me! They've been supporting me both on and off the field. It's been a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful family and have the opportunity to just be around them."

What have you learned from them?
"They know so much, even outside of polo with all the horses and every little aspect and feature of polo."

Was this your first time in Argentina?
"I've been to Argentina before but just to watch and practice not to play a tournament like this."

Was this the highest handicap you played?
"Yes. I played a 12-goal tournament with Tincho in Wellington, Florida, but this has been a pretty big step up."

What differences have you noticed?
"I'm lucky enough to play against better players but [the] more I go up in these tournament handicaps it's much tougher, but it's also amazing because you learn so much the higher you go."

What are your plans for the future?
"I’m missing school to be here now so when I go back, I have to finish all my classes and all the work, but it was such an amazing opportunity to be here with all these amazing players. Now I will return to Florida and I have a couple of tournaments planned with Tincho. In the future, my goal would be to play the U.S. Open Polo Championship with Tincho."

In polo, like in many other sports, the bond between a mentor and a protégé is where notable careers are forged. Agustin "Tincho" Merlos, a name synonymous with excellence in polo, has played a pivotal role in the development of the young and talented Harrison Reicher. With a career that reached a 10-goal handicap and impressive performances in the Argentine Triple Crown, Merlos brings a depth of experience and insight to his mentorship.

Merlos shared his perspectives on Reicher’s style as a forward, the challenges and adaptations Reicher has faced due to his schooling commitments, and their journey together over the past four years.

Merlos opened up about their first meeting, his initial impressions of Reicher’s skills and how he has seen him grow both on and off the field. He also discussed their future aspirations, including the shared goal of competing in the U.S. Open, and the steps they take to make this dream a reality.

How would you describe Harrison’s style as a forward in polo?
"Harrison is a smart forward. He doesn't play all year round, so when he starts, he picks up in a couple of practices what he needs to do. He knows how to play upfront, anticipate a pass, and position himself in line towards the goal for the pass. Obviously, he's learning and improving in going back and forth with his man, but he positions himself very well, is quick, and understands everything perfectly."

Can you tell us about your first meeting with Harrison? What were your initial impressions of his polo skills?
"I met Harrison when he was 14 years old. He came to Argentina with a great friend of mine from the United States to take some lessons and play some polo here with me. He stood out quickly because he rode well, sat well on the horse, and was quite natural in the sport on horseback and with the ball."

How has Harrison's polo skill developed over the years you've played together?
"Since he's still in school, he can't play much polo, but he is very talented. He improves week by week. We have been playing together for four years now, and he's someone who understands the game. He's smart on the field, and it's fun to play because he loves polo and likes to play well, and it's entertaining to be there for him to learn and improve. For me, that's a lot of fun."

What are your expectations for Harrison Reicher's future in polo?
"As for future expectations, he is a player who is going to grow very quickly. When he finishes school and can dedicate himself a bit more, he'll surely grow a lot, and that's going to be good."

What are the immediate goals you both have, especially in terms of participating in major tournaments like the U.S. Open Polo Championship?
"Our short-term goal is to play in the U.S. Open. It's something we need to put together, think about logistics, the structure of the horses, that he has the time to do it and, a time before, to prepare for that. That's what we're aiming for. Last year we went to England to play a bit. He likes to be constantly connected to polo."