Rich People Sports
How do the rich spend their free time? If they're not traveling around the world or finding a new car to add to their collection, they're probably on a horse playing polo or golfing. Or watching tennis matches. While there are plenty of more affordable sports to play, others demand a serious budget. So, what kind of sports do people play when they've got too much money on their hands? Well, it's probably one or five of these 20.
1. Polo
Polo isn't exactly a sport you can just try. You'll need access to trained horses, special (expensive) equipment, and, well, other rich people who have time and money to play with you. It's not hard to see how the costs can get pretty big.
2. Yacht Racing
Owning a yacht gives you enough bragging rights, but buying the vessel is only the beginning. Only the wealthiest bunch can afford to race with their million-dollar rides, and some major routes may even involve transporting boats and teams between countries!
3. Equestrian Show Jumping
Rich people don't just play polo with their horses, not when you can train the animal to jump. A suitable competition horse can carry a major price tag, and that's not even taking into account other recurring costs. For anyone pursuing the sport at an elite level, that's a chunk of money gone in an instant.
4. Formula Racing
If you want to try your hand at motorsports, you'll want to be sure you've got a big bank account. Not only will you need a shiny new car, but even moving through higher racing categories can require sponsors or serious personal funding.
5. Golf
You certainly don't need to be wealthy to play golf, but the rich aren't just getting into it willy-nilly. The rich often make it a full investment, meaning they have premium clubs, private lessons, and country club memberships. Pretty crazy to think about how expensive it is to get a hole-in-one!
6. Dressage
Dressage combines the expenses of competitive horseback riding with lots of specialized training. Not only do riders have to work closely with professional coaches, but highly trained dressage horses themselves can be extremely valuable. If you don't have the time or the money, you can kiss this pastime goodbye.
7. Ski Racing
Anyone who's ever benn on a recreational ski trip will know it's already expensive enough, but competitive skiing? Get ready to buy multiple pairs of skis, specialized equipment, and have regular access to mountains. Oh, and don't forget extensive travel throughout the season.
8. Sailing
Sailing might sound less expensive than yacht racing, but you'll still need the main thing: the boat. Get super competitive, and you'd have to tack on coaching and travel fees as well. It's easy to see why this recreation has maintained such an upscale reputation in many coastal communities.
9. Fencing
While this isn't a sport that looks like it'd be that expensive, fencing costs can quickly rack up once you move past casual matches. Plus, for serious athletes, they'll have to travel frequently for competitions and events. It won't put a dent in a rich person's pocket, but it can still be jarring to imagine the financial commitment.
10. Fox Hunting
Traditional mounted fox hunting involves far more than simply owning riding clothes. Other than obtaining the necessary equipment, participants still need access to horses, stables, and organized clubs. Without all of that, even the richest of the rich might not be able to take on this pastime.
11. Private Club Tennis
The wealthy might opt to watch than play, and tennis itself can be a relatively accessible sport, but playing in exclusive clubs changes the equation considerably. Like most sports on this list, get competitive, and it can quickly become a major family investment.
12. Alpine Mountaineering
Did you know even climbing mountains can be a pricey sport? Obviously, if you want to stay safe doing it, all that equipment and clothing is going to cost you, which can push into the thousands or even higher. Certain famous climbs require additional preparation and professional support as well.
13. Sport Fishing
Fishing is a sport anyone can take on, but serious offshore sport fishing is an entirely different thing. From acquiring a boat to bringing your own bait and gear, all of it can generate a pretty hefty bill. For true enthusiasts, they may even travel internationally for tournaments.
14. Eventing
You thought we were done talking about horses? The rich can't get enough of the animal, and equestrian eventing combines elements of other sports we've mentioned on the list, including dressage, cross-country riding, and show jumping. Think of all the skills you'd have to learn and the money that goes into it!
15. Bobsledding
Bobsledding isn't something most people can just hop on; after all, the sport requires specialized tracks and sleds, and that's just the start of it. Because it's rare to find suitable facilities, that restricted access alone creates a significant barrier for most people other than the ones who have the means.
Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commons on Wikimedia
16. Flying Competitions
Imagine owning a private jet. Now imagine flying it yourself and participating in competitions just for fun. Unless you're loaded, you probably can't even picture the fantasy! Pilots need extensive training and access to aircraft (and airspace) capable of performing specialized maneuvers, but even before all of that, you'll need the money to get yourself a license.
17. Pentathlon
Since pentathlon athletes have to train across several very different sports, they'll need access to multiple training programs and facilities. After factoring those costs in, they're not done: there are still coaching and travel expenses to account for.
18. Skeleton
Like bobsledding, skeleton athletes require access to special ice tracks that aren't always regularly available. For most, especially those looking to pursue the sport competitively, they'll often need strong federation or major financial support.
19. Hot Air Balloon Racing
Yep, you read that right—the rich like to race with balloons, too. But even recreational ballooning requires a pretty specific (and not to mention large) collection of expensive equipment, from navigation equipment to chase vehicles and trained crew members. Believe it or not, it's one of the hardest sports to pursue with a limited budget.
Manuel Torres Garcia on Pexels
20. Powerboat Racing
Powerboat racing is different from sailing (obviously) and yacht racing. First things first, you need a high-performance boat. But since competitive boats can experience frequent mechanical stress, you'll need to regularly maintain them to keep them running smoothly. Anyone entering the sport seriously should set aside a good wad of cash.
Rohit Kumar Allaparthi on Pexels
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