Interior designer Brian Woulfe has experienced a significant personal transformation over the past year, shedding 13 kilograms and reshaping his lifestyle through an unexpected avenue: polo. At 43 years old, Woulfe credits the sport—not medication or diet supplements—for his weight loss and renewed fitness, a change that has both surprised acquaintances and redefined his daily routine.
Woulfe, founder of the multi-award-winning design studio Designed by Woulfe, described his choice to take up polo as a "midlife crisis" alternative to more conventional indulgences. Raised on a farm in Ireland with early experience in riding and showjumping, he returned to equestrian pursuits after a 25-year hiatus. The sport has quickly become central to his life, combining physical fitness with a competitive outlet; he now captains his own team, House of Woulfe, and has secured victories in tournaments such as the Candilio Cup and the Spring Amateur Tournament.
His dedication to polo extends beyond the field. Woulfe maintains rigorous fitness routines that encompass weight training, spinning, and Pilates alongside regular play during the season, which typically runs from May to September. He notes the sport demands core strength, grip, and especially powerful thighs, as players must maintain a half-seat position without fully sitting in the saddle.
Woulfe began his polo journey in 2025 with Menard Polo, coached by Argentinian professional Antonino Menard. This year, he aspires to elevate his game by joining the Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park, a prestigious venue long associated with British royalty, including King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry. The club is also known for attracting high-profile celebrities and aristocrats, and recent events have featured public figures such as Jodie Kidd, Eddie Redmayne, Hayley Atwell, and Luca Pasqualino.
Despite the glamorous setting, Woulfe emphasizes the sport’s demanding nature and dismisses stereotypes of polo as merely a backdrop for social excess. He notes that he abstained from alcohol for six months during the year and remains focused on the athletic aspect of the game.
However, the financial commitment involved in polo is substantial. Woulfe estimates the cost is comparable to private school fees plus holidays, a figure underscored by expenses such as pony leasing, which can reach £1,800 monthly, or purchasing ponies that range from £5,000 to six figures for top-tier animals. Woulfe owns three horses—Sexy Bebe, Garua, and Charrua—and supplements his stable by renting additional ponies as needed. He also employs a polo pro and a manager who oversees the care and logistics for his ponies, ensuring their wellbeing and readiness for competition.
Balancing his sporting ambitions with professional responsibilities requires adjustments. Woulfe reports arriving at his design studio as early as 5 a.m. to finish work in time for practice, humorously acknowledging that his partner has become a "polo widow" due to the time and attention devoted to the sport.
This lifestyle shift has also influenced Woulfe’s appearance and wardrobe. With a slimmer physique, he has updated his clothing to smaller sizes, favoring fitted items that showcase his improved form. His transformation—from a design entrepreneur immersed in work seven days a week to an athletic participant in one of the world’s most exclusive sports—reflects both a personal and physical reinvention fueled by discipline and passion.