The managing director of Cowdray Park Polo Club reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets of one of England’s most historic sporting destinations
Martine Hartridge provides operational oversight and direction to Cowdray Park Polo Club
From Tudor ruins to the prestigious British Open Polo Championship Gold Cup, Cowdray Estate offers visitors a distinctive blend of heritage, sport and countryside adventures. Martine Hartridge, managing director of Cowdray Park Polo Club, speaks to Brummell about luxury hospitality and the rise of women’s polo.
How would you describe Cowdray Estate to someone discovering it for the first time?
Cowdray Estate feels less like a traditional country estate and more like a living, breathing corner of the English countryside where heritage, sport, hospitality and nature all intersect.
Set in the heart of West Sussex, near Midhurst in the South Downs National Park, it is best known for its world-class polo, historic ruins, beautiful landscapes and strong connection to rural British life. But what makes it distinctive is that it does not feel overly polished or exclusive in the intimidating sense. There is a warmth and authenticity to it.
Visitors can experience everything from championship polo and golf to farm shops, wellness retreats, clay shooting, walking trails and luxury accommodation. It appeals to both traditional countryside audiences and younger families or London escapees looking for a premium but relaxed experience.
There is a clear emphasis on sustainability, conservation, farming and protecting the surrounding landscape. That gives it a more grounded and purposeful identity compared with some country estates that can feel purely ornamental.
In simple terms, Cowdray is the kind of place that captures the romance of the English countryside without feeling stuck in the past.
Could you tell us about your role at Cowdray Estate?
As managing director of Cowdray Park Polo Club, I work closely with the heads of department across the estate to help deliver our shared vision and objectives. Alongside this, I lead a talented and hardworking team within the club that delivers more than 50 polo tournaments each year, including the prestigious British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup and the British Ladies Open. We welcome over 33,000 spectators across the season to enjoy world-class polo and hospitality.
One of the things I value most about Cowdray is the team culture. There is a real sense that everyone mucks in and supports one another, regardless of title or role. While I sit at the top of the organisational structure within the club, I am just as happy picking up a broom, a paintbrush, or helping move equipment between fields if that is what is needed. That hands-on approach is very much part of the culture here and something I believe is important in creating a strong and united team.
You led the rebranding of Cowdray polo club to more closely align it with the wider Cowdray Estate. Could you walk us through that process and the thinking behind it?
The rebrand was really about creating greater clarity, consistency and connection across the wider Estate while still respecting the heritage and identity that already existed within the club. Cowdray has such a strong reputation and sense of place, but historically some parts of the business had evolved independently over time, which meant there was an opportunity to bring everything together under a more unified vision, first started by the Estate CEO and Estate marketing director.
Their thinking was centred around ensuring that whether somebody experienced the Estate through polo, golf, hospitality, wellness, the farm shop or any other touchpoint, there was a consistent feeling and standard running throughout. I wanted people to immediately recognise the polo club as part of the wider Cowdray experience.
It was important that the rebrand felt evolutionary rather than revolutionary. A large part of the work involved refining how we communicated who we are.
Ultimately, the aim was not simply to change a logo or visual identity. It was about strengthening the connection between the club and the wider Estate, ensuring Cowdray continues to evolve in a way that feels relevant today while remaining true to its roots.
You oversee the delivery of the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup. Could you tell us more about what goes on behind the scenes in planning such a prestigious tournament?
At its heart, the Cowdray Gold Cup is not just a sporting event. It is a world-class hospitality and operational exercise that brings together elite international players, team owners, sponsors, members, hospitality guests and spectators from around the world. Every detail matters.
A huge amount of work goes into scheduling, logistics, team coordination, health and safety, sponsorship activation, hospitality planning and ensuring the grounds and facilities are presented to the highest possible standard. Turf management alone is an enormous undertaking, particularly given the importance of the playing surfaces at this level of polo.
We also work very closely with our partners and suppliers to create an experience that feels seamless for guests, whether they are attending for the polo itself, entertaining clients, or simply enjoying a day in the countryside.
During the tournament period, the pace becomes incredibly intense. There are long days and constant moving parts, with the team often adapting quickly to weather, timings and operational challenges that naturally arise during live events of this scale. What most people don’t realise is that all this is planned and prepared for by a very small team of 11 people before we engage all the seasonal teams and wider Cowdray Estate.
For me personally, one of the most rewarding aspects is seeing everything come together after months of work and watching people genuinely enjoy the experience. There is a real sense of pride in delivering an event that is not only recognised as one of the leading polo tournaments in the world, but also something that reflects the values, heritage and atmosphere of Cowdray itself.
Cowdray Park Polo Club has been the home of the British Open for the Cowdray Gold Cup since 1956
What can we expect from the 2026 season?
One of the most significant milestones for 2026 is that the British Ladies Open Final will now take place on the same day, and in front of the same audience, as the Cowdray Gold Cup Final. This is a hugely important step for the club and something we are incredibly proud of.
It represents a real landmark moment in our ongoing commitment to supporting and elevating women’s polo. The standard of the women’s game continues to rise year on year, and we felt it was important that the occasion, platform and audience reflected the quality and professionalism of the players competing. Bringing both finals together creates an even bigger celebration of the sport and sends a strong message about the future direction of polo at Cowdray.
Beyond that, visitors can expect another exceptional season of international polo, first-class hospitality and a continued focus on enhancing the overall experience for members, players, sponsors and guests alike
There is also a real emphasis on ensuring the club remains welcoming and accessible to both longstanding supporters of the sport and people discovering polo for the very first time. For 2026, weekday polo outside of the Cowdray Gold Cup remains free to all. You can drive up to the sidelines with your own picnic and watch a match – and hopefully discover a new obsession!
You also oversee partnerships at Cowdray. What qualities and values do you look for in a brand partner for the Estate?
For us, successful partnerships are always about far more than simple sponsorship. We look for brands that genuinely align with the values, standards and character of Cowdray itself.
Authenticity is incredibly important. Cowdray has a very strong identity rooted in heritage, quality, sport, hospitality and the countryside, so we are always looking to work with partners who naturally complement that environment rather than simply seeking visibility or exposure.
We value long-term relationships and shared ambition. The best partnerships are collaborative and mutually beneficial, where both sides are invested in creating something meaningful together rather than approaching it as a purely transactional arrangement.
Looking back on your time at Cowdray, what achievement are you most proud of since joining the team?
What I am most proud of is not one single event or project, but the collective progress we have made as a team in evolving the club while staying true to the values and heritage that make Cowdray so special.
That said, if I am being completely honest, the thing I value most is the team and culture we have built. We have an incredibly dedicated group of people across the club and Estate who care deeply about what they do and who consistently go above and beyond for each other. I try to model that behaviour and create an environment where people feel proud to work, where there is mutual respect regardless of role, and where everyone is willing to roll their sleeves up when needed. That is probably the achievement that gives me the greatest satisfaction.
Ultimately, I see my role as being about stewardship. Cowdray Park Polo Club existed long before any of us and hopefully will continue long after us, so the aim is always to leave the club and Estate in a stronger position for the future while preserving the character and spirit that people love about it today.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I think balance is something you are constantly working on rather than something you ever fully perfect, particularly in a role connected to sport, hospitality and events where the pace can be intense and the hours are often dictated by the season.
For me, a large part of maintaining balance comes from perspective and having a genuine passion for what I do. I feel very fortunate to work in an environment like Cowdray, surrounded by great people and the countryside, which in itself creates a very positive atmosphere to be part of day to day.
That said, I also believe it is important to have time away from work and to be present when you do. Spending time with family and children is hugely important to me, as is making the most of the outdoors, whether that is walking, exercising or simply switching off and enjoying my garden (and a glass of Gusbourne). Living and working in such a beautiful part of the world certainly helps with that.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is the idea that you have to put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others.
In leadership roles, particularly in environments where you care deeply about the people around you and feel a strong sense of responsibility, it can be very easy to give everything to everyone else and eventually burn yourself out trying to keep other people warm. Over time, I have realised that looking after your own wellbeing, energy and perspective is not selfish, it is actually essential if you want to lead effectively and support others properly.
I also strongly believe in the idea that you achieve far more through kindness, respect and positivity than through force or negativity. One mantra I have always tried to live by is that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. People respond far better to encouragement, empathy and genuine relationships than they do to fear or confrontation, particularly when you are building teams and long-term partnerships.
That does not mean avoiding difficult conversations or hard work, because every role has those moments, particularly in industries like ours. But it does mean recognising the importance of balance, resilience and treating people well along the way.
Cowdray Estate, Cowdray Park, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0AQ
To get in touch, visit cowdray.co.uk or call 01730 812423
