For most DC area residents, their closest experience with Polo might be a visit to Ralph Lauren’s eponymous store on Wisconsin Avenue. The Salahi’s turn in Bravo’s Real Housewives of DC series and their connection with the “America’s Polo Cup” would certainly give the impression that the sport is a playground for the socially aspirant and the allegedly wealthy. But polo has a long tradition in the region and there are several family-friendly options in the nearby hunt country for those wishing to experience the game without any parvenus. There is still time this season to enjoy many of the available options and they can make an enjoyable and different Labor Day outing for those who might have curtailed longer weekend trips.
The Great Meadow Foundation hosts two matches every Saturday as part of the Twilight Polo series at Great Meadow in The Plains, home of the Virginia Gold Cup. Gates open at 6:30 PM and tickets are $30 for a carload or $10 for an individual ticket. the multi-use outdoor facility is the only arena polo facility in the area. On the 11th and 12th of September the action moves from the arena to the grass as part of the Harvest Wine Festival. On each of these days two matches are played between 1 PM and 5 PM. There is special pricing for this event, depending on whether you plan to taste some of the 275 wines available.
The crowd is usually casually outdoorsy and the feel is more like a picnic than a social gala. Barbecue is available and occasionally a winery or cigar shop will be selling their wares. Children especially will enjoy the hijinks of the Polo Bear.
Another option is available on Sundays is Roseland Polo at the King Family Vineyards to the west of Charlottesville. The matches take place at 1:30 PM through the end of September and the winery, which won the 2010 Virginia Governor’s Cup with its Meritage, offers tastings from 11 AM through 5 PM.
Either event makes a fun and easy introduction to polo for horse fans of any age. As an added benefit, you might feel a little more legitimate next time you put on on of Mr. Lauren’s shirts.
